What State Has the Highest Number of Drunk Driving Deaths?
The statistics for the highest number of drunk driving deaths vary by state. Texas is at the top, followed by Alabama and North Dakota. The drunkest driving deaths occur in Texas, but there are also high levels of binge drinking among underage residents in Alaska. The cost and penalties associated with a DUI conviction may also vary by state.
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North Dakota has the highest number of drunk driving deaths
In North Dakota, the rate of drunk driving deaths is among the highest in the country. The state ranks high on many lists of states that have the highest rates of drunken driving. In 2013, there were 71 fatal crashes in the state. This rate has dropped to 55 last year. In 2016, the state reported 446 alcohol-related injuries. While the rate of drunk driving deaths is high, some positive changes are being made to combat the problem.
The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in North Dakota is nearly double the national average. Over one-in-four drivers in the state have a drunk driving conviction on their record. In addition, nearly 25 percent of the population reports consuming alcohol beyond normal limits. The high number of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in North Dakota is an indicator that the state’s people are drinking more than they should. Drunk driving is a primary cause of traffic fatalities in North Dakota, accounting for 43% of all traffic deaths.
Texas has the highest number of drunk driving deaths
In 2016, Texas was home to some of the nation’s highest numbers of drunk driving fatalities. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, nearly a thousand people were killed in Texas DUI accidents. According to the NHTSA, alcohol or drugs impair the driver’s judgment and ability to drive, and by the time the person is sober, they’re breaking the law. In fact, according to the NHTSA, nearly a quarter of Texas fatal drunk drivers had a BAC of.15 or higher. The number of injuries and fatalities caused by DUI-related driving crashes is also rising, with almost a 9% increase over last year.
The study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation to rank the states based on the number of DUI arrests and fatalities. Texas was ranked fourth worst for DUI fatalities, with 7.5 fatalities per 100,000 drivers. The Texas Department of Transportation offers a list of tips to keep your alcohol consumption and driving under the influence to a minimum. You can also consider taking a taxi or staying overnight at a friend’s house rather than driving if you’ve had too much to drink.
Alabama has the highest number of drunk driving deaths
Alabama is home to some of the worst drunk drivers in the country. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, nearly five thousand drivers were arrested for DUI in 2016. Most of these drivers were between 25 and 29 years old. The next highest age group was 20 to 24 years old, followed by 30 to 34 years old. Almost two-thirds of these drivers were men, while the remaining three percent were women.
Alabama ranks fifth in the nation when it comes to drunk driving deaths. Last year, the state saw five fatal DUI crashes per 100,000 people. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, fewer than one percent of average crashes ended in a death, but the proportion of DUI fatalities was seven times higher than for other crashes.
Alaska has the highest rates of binge drinking among underage residents
The state of Alaska has a reputation for heavy drinking and drug abuse, and state health officials are trying to improve the state’s health by reducing the alcohol consumption rates among its residents. In the past several years, the state has experienced a decline in binge drinking rates and has also seen a decrease in the number of high schoolers abusing illicit drugs. Mental health advocates are also working to change the culture surrounding alcohol and drug use in the state.
The NSDUH report also highlights differences in rates among substate regions. The 2010-2012 NSDUH data was based on data from 94,200 people between 12 and 20 years old. The use of a common year increased the accuracy of the estimates and allowed the report to identify statistically significant differences. The results were presented in maps for each state.
Maryland has the highest rates of binge drinking among underage residents
State-level statistics on binge drinking among underage residents have been compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although the data is not comprehensive, they do show that binge drinking is most common in Midwestern states and that New Mexico, Texas, and Florida have the highest rates per capita. Meanwhile, the rate of alcohol-related death among underage people is highest in Southern states.
Underage drinking is a serious issue in Maryland. Statistics from the state show that 11 percent of 16-20-year-old drivers who were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2015 were drinking. In addition, 19 percent of underage Maryland residents reported riding in the car of an impaired driver. The state also saw a significant increase in alcohol-related emergencies and treatment for alcohol-related problems.