How Many People Die From Drunk Driving Each Day in the United States?
Drunk driving is an epidemic that kills dozens of people every day in the United States. Despite this fact, people still get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol. If you are thinking about getting behind the wheel after a few drinks, it’s always best to call for a ride or a friend who can drive.
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The Most Common Locations for Drunk Driving Accidents
The most common locations where drunk drivers got into crashes were highways, streets, and city streets. These areas saw the most fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For example, in 2018, the NHTSA reported that 56 percent of all alcohol-related accidents occurred on highways, while 45 percent happened on urban roads and 13 percent on rural roads.
Moreover, alcohol-impaired drivers were more likely to be involved in crashes that occurred during the night than during the day. In fact, 69 percent of all alcohol-related crashes occurred during the night, compared to 27 percent in daylight, three percent in the dusk, and one percent at dawn.
Young Drivers are More Likely to Drink and Drive
According to the NHTSA, drivers who were younger than 21 years old made up 25 percent of all fatal DUI crashes. They also had a higher rate of drinking than drivers who were older than 21, a trend that’s gotten worse over time.
These young drivers are often unaware of the risks and dangers that come with drinking and driving. For example, many young people may not know that it’s illegal to drive while your blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) is below the legal limit.
The NHTSA reports that almost 2,000 college students die from unintentional alcohol-related injuries, including motor vehicle crashes, each year. This is a shocking statistic that can be easily avoided by taking the proper precautions before you hit the road.
Another important thing to remember is that people who are under the age of 21 can’t legally buy any alcohol or have any at home. In addition, underage drinkers are also more likely to be arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
When you are convicted of a DUI, your criminal record is automatically attached to your car insurance and it can impact your job, rental property, and credit rating. It can even cause you to lose your license.
The CDC estimates that drunk drivers cause 147 million automobile accidents in the US each year, costing the country more than $44 billion annually. Fortunately, the number of deaths caused by drunk driving has decreased in recent years, thanks to organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
It’s also important to note that drunk driving accidents are more likely to happen on holidays and in rural areas. For example, in 2018, a staggering 35% of all alcohol-related crashes took place on holidays.
When you are involved in an auto accident, it’s best to get help from an experienced auto injury lawyer in Lincoln Nebraska who can protect your rights and maximize your damages. At Montag Law, we’ve been providing professional legal representation to injured car, truck, and motorcycle accident victims since 1998. Contact our office today to learn more about your rights and how we can help you.