How Many Teens Die Each Year From Drunk Driving?
Thousands of teens are killed every year by drinking and driving. However, the rate of teen drunk driving deaths has decreased by 54% over the last two decades. There are several reasons for the decline. One is better education and the other is harsher punishments for those caught driving under the influence. But, even with these advances, young drivers are still at high risk for injury and death while driving.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2018, 10,511 people died in alcohol-related crashes. This is a decline from the previous year when 11,286 people died in motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol. While the number of teenage car accident fatalities decreased, the rate of alcohol involvement in crashes remained relatively unchanged. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent these deaths from happening. A graduated driver licensing system can be an effective way to protect young drivers. In addition, a few simple steps can be taken at home to discourage underage drinking.
The CDC reports that high school students drive intoxicated 2.4 million times a month. This is a major problem since young adults are at a significantly higher risk of injury and death while driving than older adults. In addition, 85% of teens who report binge drinking within a couple of hours also drive.
In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that the number of teens in a crash with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit is significantly higher than in the general population. In 2017, one in five teen drivers involved in a fatal crash had a BAC of over.08 percent. Those numbers are a big deal, especially considering that it is legal for adults to have a BAC above. This is one reason why a minimum age limit for drinking and driving has become so important.
The CDC reports that high school students drink and drive a staggering 2.4 million times a month, and it is safe to say that most of these drivers are doing it with a BAC above the legal limit. Despite the recent drop in teen drunk driving, alcohol consumption rates among teens are still high. A BAC of 0.08 or more is a hazard for any driver, but it is especially dangerous for a teen. Moreover, males are more likely than females to be involved in a drunk driving crash.
The CDC reports that alcohol plays a key role in several fatal motor vehicle accidents, including those involving teens. For example, in 2011, 112 teens were fatally injured in a motor vehicle crash. Interestingly enough, the majority of these teens were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. In addition, 38% of these young drivers were speeding at the time of the crash. This is a particularly dangerous situation, as it is more difficult for a teen to keep their eyes on the road, let alone make a proper decision.