What Are the Statistics of Drunk Driving Accidents?
We all know that drunk driving is a deadly activity, but did you know that there are also non-fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers? Alcohol-impaired driving is estimated to cause 12 percent of all fatal crashes in Utah and 20 percent nationwide. This statistic includes motorcycle accidents, no-driver crashes, and alcohol-impaired crashes with no driver present. The statistics for drunk driving accidents are not rounded, so they could be higher or lower than those listed in the table below.
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Fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving
New York has a proven track record when it comes to preventing alcohol-impaired driving tragedies. In 2001 and 2002, the state had the third lowest alcohol-impaired-driving fatality rate in the nation. Between 1982 and 1998, the number of alcohol-impaired driving-related deaths was on a downward trend. However, in 1999 and 2000, the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased. In response to the problem, the State of New York passed anti-DWI legislation to decrease the rate.
As of 2016, there were 92 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in Nevada, accounting for 30 percent of the state’s total traffic fatalities. In addition, more than 11,000 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2015 in Nevada. It is a sad reality that so many people are dying from alcohol-impaired driving. This is largely preventable, and we must work together to curb the epidemic.
Percentage of fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired drivers
Alcohol-impaired driving causes a disproportionate number of fatal crashes in the United States. Approximately 30% of all road fatalities in 2004 were caused by drunk drivers, and the proportion soared in twenty states by 2018. The largest share of these fatalities occurred in North Dakota, where alcohol was the cause of 40 percent of all traffic deaths.
The proportion of fatalities resulting from alcohol-impaired drivers varies by age group, vehicle type, and type of vehicle. Among drivers aged twenty-four and younger, alcohol-impaired driving accounted for nearly two-thirds of all fatal crashes.
Deaths caused by alcohol-impaired drivers in each state
The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities varies widely by state. While drunk driving causes a significant proportion of traffic fatalities in every state, some states have higher rates than others. North Dakota, for example, had the highest rate of fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving at 40%.
Deaths attributed to alcohol-impaired driving accounted for about 30 percent of vehicle traffic fatalities nationwide in 2020. Since 1991, the rate of alcohol-impaired deaths has declined by approximately 51 percent, primarily among drivers younger than 21.
Cost of alcohol-impaired-driving accidents in each state
Each year, thousands of alcohol-impaired driving crashes are reported. These accidents involve at least one driver who is over the legal limit of BAC (blood alcohol content), 0.08 grams per deciliter. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol is a contributing factor in 28% of crashes on state highways and 24% on local roads.
Alcohol-impaired driving accidents result in a significant amount of financial damage for victims and their families. In the United States, a crash involving an impaired driver costs $110 billion per year. It is far more expensive than other forms of the crash and causes more injuries and deaths than any other type of crash. NHTSA has developed formulas to calculate the costs of alcohol-impaired driving accidents. These formulas estimate the cost of accidents that involve alcohol, including fatalities and injuries involving drunk drivers.
Chances of encountering a drunk driver
Did you know that your chances of encountering a drunk driver increase during the weekend? According to Money Geek, drivers are most likely to be driving drunk on Sunday morning, so you’re at a higher risk of being involved in a traffic accident during those hours. Additionally, the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the deadliest months for drunk driving on U.S. roads. If you’re involved in an accident caused by a drunk driver, you may be able to recover substantial compensation from the negligent driver.
While you can’t control the behavior of others, you can take steps to minimize your chances of encountering a drunk driver. For instance, avoid drinking and driving on the weekends, holidays, or in dark areas. And if you do encounter a drunk driver, report him or her to the authorities. By calling 911, you’ll be able to help keep other drivers and yourself safe.