The Dangers of Drunk-Driving
Every day, 37 people lose their lives to drunk driving on American roads – equivalent to 1 person every 39 minutes. Of the yearly 40,000+ traffic fatalities, a third (13,000) are due to drunk driving. As well as those thousands of deaths, drunk driving injuries also account for 300,000 emergency department visits every year.
As our study data reveals, drunk-driving figures remain incredibly high despite drunk driving being illegal and despite the acute dangers of driving a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The Worst States for Drunk-Driving
Drunk driving is a significant problem in the U.S Some states are notable for having an especially high number of drunk drivers. South and North Dakota’s numbers far exceed any other state, making them the nation’s drunk-driving capitals. Here are the 10 worst states for drunk driving, per 100,000 drivers.
- South Dakota → 879
- North Dakota → 833
- Wyoming → 629
- Alaska → 554
- Idaho → 520
- Nevado → 503
- Wisconsin → 487
- Minnesota → 467
- Vermont → 461
- Maine → 457
Alternately, here are the ten states with the lowest drunk-driving arrests per 100,000 drivers.
- Delaware → 43
- Illinois → 70
- Florida → 94
- Louisiana → 116
- Alabama → 131
- Ohio → 139
- Massachusetts → 161
- New York → 164
- North Carolina → 201
- West Virginia → 217
The Consequences of Drunk Driving
There are many consequences for being caught drunk driving. Fines for drunk driving vary between states, and the punishment depends on the level of alcohol consumed.
However, study data suggests that a first-time driving offender apprehended while in an intoxicated state can expect a fine between $500 and $2000. Yet such a fine may also involve additional jail time from a day’s incarceration to six months.
Repeat offenders can expect increased fines and extended jail terms. Once convicted of drunk driving, an offender’s public record can be permanently tarnished.
For those convicted of drunk driving, there are also significant financial downsides. Insurance premiums can become exorbitant or even cancelled by the provider. If you’re at fault for causing serious injury or death while driving drunk, a subsequent civil lawsuit can cost thousands of dollars.
There are measures in place to limit drunk-driving arrests. Ignition interlocking devices available to all drivers but mandatory in 34 states, are breathalyzers that prevent a convicted drunk-driving offender’s car from starting if they are intoxicated.
A National Alcohol Epidemic
Even a small measure of alcohol impairs your brain and nervous system. The measurement to test how much alcohol is in your system is called Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). In most states, if you’re tested on the road with a BAC level of 0.08% or above, you’re classified as a drunk driver.
Our analysis underscores the magnitude of the alcohol problem in the United States. 224.3 million people over the age of 12 say they have drunk alcohol at some point. 61.4 million people over the age of 12 binge drink each month, while 16.4 million people admit to drinking heavily.
For men, this amounts to 5 or more drinks a day or 15 or more a week; for women, the number is 4 or more drinks a day and 8 or more a week. 28.9 million people suffer from an alcohol use disorder.
Such a high level of alcohol use and abuse is reflected by study data relating to drunk-driving arrests. Over the past five years, 1 in 50 American drivers has been caught drunk driving, with 1 million drunk driving arrests each year.
Study data shows that drunk-driving arrests are more common in rural areas due to their smaller populations, less police enforcement, and a comparative scarcity of public transport options.
1 in 3 people arrested for drunk driving are repeat offenders. Our analysis suggests that this is due to a lack of appropriate drunk-driving programs in some states, plus lenient sentences for these convictions.
The 21-to-24-year-old age group features the highest number of drunk drivers, and men commit drunk-driving offences far more frequently than women. For every drunk female driver, there are 4 males, while male drivers are also more likely to indulge in risky driving habits like speeding and not wearing a seatbelt.
Though drivers in their early 20s have the highest number of drunk drivers, teen drivers are at an even higher risk for DUI while drunk driving.
Their inexperience, poorer reaction times, and comparative inability to stay alert while intoxicated means their risk of crashing while drunk driving is up to four times higher. Due to their risk level, teens need to avoid driving after consuming any amount of alcohol.
Additionally, they need to be more conscious about their friends’ habits regarding drunk driving and call or text a parent or other trusted adult to pick them up in emergencies.
Getting the Drunk-Driving Numbers Down
Our analysis of the U.S. drunk-driving problem underscores the type of measures that could be taken to bring the numbers down. Firstly, increased public awareness regarding the seriousness and potentially dire consequences of drunk driving is paramount. From a ruined reputation and hefty fines to extensive jail time for a drunk-driving conviction, the risk factor is high.
Rural areas, where drunk driving is comparatively rife, need much more expansive rideshare and public transport options. Repeat offenders also need much more effective deterrents.
Mandatory ignition interlocking devices in all states would help; the devices are proven to decrease drunk-driving offenses by 67%. Bars and restaurants can help by promoting designated driver programs or highly visible anti-drunk driving campaigns.
There are many ways we can start to lower the drunk driver numbers – and subsequently save thousands of lives.
At John Foy & Associates, we’re personal injury experts well versed in dealing with drunk driver accidents. Get in touch with us today if you need any help.
