How Many People Die From Drunk Driving a Day?
There are many statistics surrounding the fatalities of drunk drivers, but one fact that should not be overlooked is that these accidents are causing more than 100,000 deaths a year. One person dies from a DUI-related crash every 50 minutes. Drunk drivers account for 40% of fatal car accidents. They are seven times more likely to die in an accident than a sober driver. Most of these fatalities occur in people between the ages of 21 and 34.
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28 people a day
In the United States, 28 people die each day in car accidents due to drunk driving. While statistics show that the number has dropped since 1982, more people are still getting behind the wheel when they’re drunk. Drunk driving crashes cause tens of thousands of injuries each year, and drivers often lack the judgment needed to stay safe on the road.
Drunk driving is an epidemic. It is responsible for one in every six fatal car crashes, and it costs the American economy over $44 billion per year. In addition to the economic cost, drunk driving crashes claim the lives of over 10,000 people every year. In addition, statistics show that about two out of every three people will get into a drunk driving crash in their lifetime.
More than 17,000 a year
Drunk driving is an increasingly common cause of traffic accident deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 17,000 people die from drunk driving crashes every year. In New York State alone, there are about 310 drunk driving funerals every week. In addition, more than 16,000 people are injured in such crashes every year. The statistics vary according to age, gender, and location, but generally, young drivers, male drivers, and drivers with prior DUI convictions are at the highest risk for accidents caused by alcohol or drug-impaired driving.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended programs to reduce alcohol-related traffic deaths. Their model program was updated on February 25, 2001, and recommends a 0.08 blood alcohol concentration as the legal limit for drunk driving. This policy change could save about 500 lives each year.
Christmas and New Year’s Day are the deadliest days of the year for drunk drivers
According to the American Addiction Centers, Christmas and New Year’s Day are the most dangerous days of the year for drunk drivers. These two holidays are also the deadliest for pedestrians. Many parties take place on these days, which can lead to high alcohol consumption rates. However, there are ways to avoid the dangers of drunk driving during these holidays. One way is to plan and take an Uber, rather than driving drunk.
This period consists of 8.5 to 11.5 days, including the week of December 24 and January 2. Thanksgiving is the second-deadliest holiday for drivers, with 513 people killed in car accidents around Thanksgiving last year. Thanksgiving is also the busiest day of the year for car travel.
Deaths caused by alcohol-impaired driving cost more than $44 billion a year
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, alcohol-impaired crashes cause more than $44 billion in societal costs every year and result in more than 10,000 fatalities each year. Drinking alcohol impairs brain function, reducing a person’s ability to think, reason, and coordinate their body movements. As a result, the risks of an accident increase.
Alcohol is the leading cause of car crashes in the United States, and even very small amounts can affect the driver’s ability to drive safely. In 2017, nearly 1,800 people died in alcohol-related crashes. Most of these drivers had BACs of 0.08% or more.