Albuquerque Accident Statistics

Serial Drunk Driving is Dangerous

Santa Fe, New Mexico (August 14, 2019): A New Mexico man was recently arrested for what is now his twelfth DWI. While no one was injured because of the man’s reckless driving, that doesn’t excuse driving under the influence in the first place. New Mexico takes driving under the influence seriously, yet sadly, the land of enchantment has a serious problem with drunk drivers. 

In 2015, 30% of fatal accidents involved someone at or above the legal BAC limit. 

On the whole, New Mexico drivers are ranked quite close to the bottom when it comes to the skill and safety of its drivers. This lack of precaution by drivers is thus exacerbated by those who make poor decisions and drive on the road while impaired.

If you or someone you know suffered an injury or wrongful death from a drunk driver, contact Lerner and Rowe for a free consultation. We’ll work with you on your personal injury case. Sources: KRQE and Albuquerque Journal 

More Bikes on the Roads

Albuquerque, New Mexico (July 24, 2019): Mayor Tim Keller announced that bicycle patrols will now ride throughout the city in an effort to interact with the community. At least 22 officers are to be stationed throughout Albuquerque. Business owners and other citizens can get to know the officers in a friendly manner, showing that there’s no reason to fear our men and women in blue. Additionally, this measure will hopefully make the city safer by deterring crime. Furthermore, when a crime does happen, a bicycle patrol may be nearby and can arrive at the scene quickly.

Keep in mind, though, that more bikes on the roads means more people to look out for. Many accidents are caused by distracted drivers not staying vigilant of others around them. Give cyclists ample space, and always yield the right of way. At night, make sure you keep an eye out for bicycle reflectors and reflective clothing. Finally, never drive drowsy or under the influence of mind-altering substances. Staying sober and alert will keep you out of an accident. Source: AlbuquerqueJournal

Compounding Variables Contribute to NM Fatalities

Statewide (June 28, 2019) – Many variables are contributing to New Mexico’s accident fatalities. For example, nearly one fourth of all accident-related deaths involved alcohol this past May. Additionally, alcohol was involved in over 20% of all New Mexico accidents, in general, for May, 2019. Seat belt usage is a huge concern, too. In over 50% of recorded accident fatalities, at least one vehicle occupant wasn’t wearing a seat belt.

When you drive on New Mexico’s roads, make sure you drive sober and with your seat belt fastened. Furthermore, be sure to obey all traffic laws and avoid distractions such as text messages and loud music. Source: New Mexico Monthly Traffic Fatality Report, 2019

Drinking and Driving

Albuquerque (May 8, 2019) – A representative from the “Parents Who Host, Lose The Most – Don’t Be a Party to Teenage Drinking” program encourages parents to teach their children about the dangers of underage drinking. New Mexico has an especially alarming problem with underage drinkers, as there is a higher amount of underage drinkers than the national average. Source: OxfordTreatment.com

Fewer Fatalities in June

Statewide (August 9, 2019): According to the New Mexico Monthly Traffic Fatality Report, there were only 29 traffic fatalities in June 2019. This is a 21% decrease from June 2018 (37 fatalities), and a 14% decrease from June 2017 (34 fatalities). Furthermore, only 3 out of the 29 fatalities involved alcohol, which is 15 fewer than in June 2018, and 4 fewer than in June 2017.

Hopefully the downward trend continues as the year goes on. The ideal situation would be for there to be no deaths on the road. However, accidents do happen, and if you happen to be in one, contact Lerner and Rowe. Don’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and stay vigilant while on the road. Source: New Mexico Monthly Traffic Fatality Report

Fatalities Continue to Rise

Statewide (June 14, 2019) – The month of May 2019 saw 37 total traffic fatalities, which is more than May 2018’s traffic-related fatalities (29) and May 2017’s traffic-related fatalities (32). The previous two months of 2019 also saw elevated numbers when compared to the corresponding months of previous years. If trends continue, June will have an even higher amount of traffic-related deaths. To stay safe on the road, make sure you drive defensively, stay vigilant, and obey all traffic rules and laws. Source: NM Monthly Traffic Fatality Report

NM Fatalities

Albuquerque (May 8, 2019) – Since the beginning of the year, there have been over 100 fatalities on New Mexico’s roads. If this trend continues, 2019 will have more deaths than either of the two previous years. Stay safe on the road, and keep an eye out for unexpected hazards, too. Source: New Mexico Monthly Traffic Fatality Report, 2019

Learn Martial Arts in Albuquerque

Albuquerque, New Mexico (August 1, 2019): The Dynamic Taekwondo Academy is an excellent facility for learning the Korean martial art. Open to people of all ages, one can start from the basics and work their way up to the black belt, just as Junge Lavinge, a 70-year-old woman, did. One can learn the martial art for competitive purposes, or just to have in the arsenal of one’s self-defense resources. No matter the reason, Dynamic Taekwondo Academy encourages everyone to apply, even if you’re in your 90s (as one of the students is)!

Keep in mind, though, that trying to take the law into your own hands is no substitute for proper legal council in the event of an assault. If you or someone you know has been attacked, contact Lerner and Rowe. We’ll work with you on your personal injury case to help seek the justice you deserve. Source: KOB4

Five Fatalities on Road 128

Jal, New Mexico (July 11, 2019):  A Chevrolet pickup truck traveling west on road 128 collided with a semi-truck on Thursday morning. The pickup crossed into eastbound traffic, where the head-on crash took place. Both vehicles then caught fire, and four people died at the scene, five in total, as was stated by the Office of the Medical Investigator. The investigation is ongoing, and alcohol doesn’t appear to be a factor in the tragic incident. When you drive, make sure you are well rested, and avoid distractions. Safe driving practices can help lessen the chances of getting in an accident. Source: CurrentArgus

New Mexico Ranked as Worst State for Kids

Statewide (June 17, 2019) – New Mexico once again ranks on the bottom of the list of American states to be a kid. In terms of economic, education, health, and family/community factors, New Mexico took 50th place for 2013, 2018, and 2019. While New Mexico saw some small improvements in each category for 2019, there is still much room for progress to improve the well-being of children.

For example, 6% of teens reported abusing drugs or alcohol. While not as bad as in previous years, many problems must be addressed, and soon, if New Mexico wants to improve its standing. In terms of safety, too, New Mexico is ranked 47/50, with 50 being the worst. This is mainly due to high amounts of crime and a low amount of police officers. As such, local law enforcement agencies suggest that adults warn children of potential dangers, and that residents should take extra precautions for personal safety at night and avoid suspicious areas of town. Sources: Albuquerque Journal Albuquerque Business First

Explosion at Roswell

Roswell, NM (June 5, 2019) – On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters packing fireworks for an upcoming Fourth of July celebration suffered injuries from an explosion at the Roswell Airport. 10 firefighters suffered minor injuries, and 2 are in critical condition. While the cause of the explosion is still not known, what is known is that authorities arrived on the scene incredibly quickly. The swift response by police and other firefighters saved many others from possibly catastrophic damages. Source: KRQE

New Police Chief

Santa Fe (April 5, 2019) – Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham appoints state police veteran Tim Johnson as the new head of New Mexico’s police force. Johnson promises to implement new policies that prohibit discrimination, and he plans to keep New Mexico safer, overall. If you ever get into legal trouble, check out this guide to legal terms. Source: U.S. News