Impaired driving remains one of the most preventable causes of serious crashes across Massachusetts - yet it continues to devastate families every year.

Whether alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, or prescription medications are involved, impairment slows reaction time, clouds judgment, and reduces coordination. Even drivers who feel 'mostly fine' may be dangerously unsafe behind the wheel.

When impaired drivers cause crashes, injuries are often severe. These collisions frequently involve speeding, delayed braking, lane drifting, or complete loss of vehicle control.

Key Facts About Impaired Driving

• Impaired driving includes alcohol, cannabis, illegal substances, and prescription drugs that affect driving ability.
• In 2021, 34% of Massachusetts traffic deaths involved a drunk driver.
• Nationally, 12,429 people died in alcohol‑impaired crashes in 2023 - about 30% of all traffic fatalities.
• Massachusetts State Police investigated 34 suspected alcohol‑related and 33 suspected drug‑related fatal crashes in 2023
• Victims may pursue both criminal OUI cases and civil personal injury claims.
• Evidence matters early - police reports, witness statements, and video can disappear quickly.
  

What Is Considered Impaired Driving in Massachusetts?

Impairment goes beyond alcohol.

Alcohol: Legal intoxication is 0.08% BAC, though impairment can occur at lower levels.

Drugs may include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep aids, and mixed substances. Unlike alcohol, drug impairment doesn’t rely on a single measurement, making cases more complex.

• Over one‑third of MA motor vehicle deaths in 2021 involved alcohol.
• In 2023, alcohol‑impaired crashes killed 12,429 people nationwide.
• MA State Police investigated nearly equal fatal crashes involving suspected alcohol and drugs in 2023.

Why Impaired Driving Crashes Are Often Devastating

Impairment increases delayed reactions, poor decisions, lane drifting, speeding, wrong‑way driving, falling asleep, and rollover risks. Impaired drivers are also more likely to be unbelted or flee the scene.

Common Injuries in Drunk or Drugged Driving Crashes

Traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, broken bones, internal injuries, facial fractures, permanent disability, and fatal injuries.

Call 911. Seek medical care. Document the scene. Collect witness info. Report observations to police. Never accept cash at the scene.

Understanding Liability in Massachusetts

Impaired driving often establishes negligence. Victims may seek compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long‑term impacts.

Expert Legal Guidance from Jason Ranallo

 Navigating the complexities of impaired driving accidents in Massachusetts requires experienced legal support to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve. Jason M. Ranallo, founder of Jason M. Ranallo P.C. in Dedham, MA, specializes in personal injury law with a focus on car accidents, including those caused by impaired drivers.

His firm assists clients in holding negligent parties accountable, negotiating settlements with insurance companies, and pursuing lawsuits when necessary. With a commitment to thorough investigations and client-centered representation, Jason offers free case evaluations on a contingency fee basis, meaning no upfront costs and payment only upon successful recovery. For personalized advice tailored to Massachusetts laws, visit Attorney Ranallo's website or contact him at 781-344-6200.