In 2011, 9,878 people were killed in completely avoidable car accidents caused by drunk driving. Let me say that again. 9,878 people, many of whom were completely innocent, were killed as a result of drunk driving in just one year. To add to the tragedy, every 90 seconds, someone is injured because of this entirely preventable crime. Despite the numerous warnings, indisputable statistics, and shear stupidity of driving under the influence, Americans continue to do it. Hopefully, these 10 sobering statistics will make you think twice.
Fact #1
The highest rates of driving while drunk occur among drivers 21-24 years of age. This age group is between “just legal” and “old enough to heed the warnings against drunk driving”, but unfortunately it does not mean that drivers that fall outside the age group do not ignore the cautionary advice.Fact #2
A driver with blood alcohol content of .08 g/dL is over 10 times more likely to be in a fatal accident than a sober driver. Even small amounts of alcohol can slow down your reaction time and may temporarily weaken your higher-order cognitive abilities.Fact #3
According to a study noted by Christine Van Tuyl in Drunk Driving, first-time drunk-driving offenders usually drive under the influence of alcohol more than 80 times before being caught by law enforcement. Just because you may be “experienced” at driving while impaired, it does not mean that you are prepared to deal with the pressures of the road. Even if you have driven drunk several times without yourself perceiving any sort of discrepancy in reaction time or level of focus, your senses will likely still be impaired (this independent level of impairment -- not your perception -- is what is measured by police officers).Fact #4
On average, a person is killed every 40 minutes due to a drunk driver’s lack of proper judgment. Despite the plethora of anti-drunk driving campaigns spread across the country that are meant to discourage drivers from drinking before operating a vehicle, victims fall every day to collisions that involve alcohol-use.Fact #5
Almost every minute-and-a-half, someone is injured in a drunk-driving accident. Deaths by drunk-driving incidents are oftentimes more discussed than the general catastrophic consequences, including injuries, that may result. Injuries from alcohol-related crashes are usually gruesome, and take long periods of time to recover (if recovery is at all possible).Fact #6
Almost 50% of motorcyclists killed while riding under the influence of alcohol are age 40 or over, and motorcyclists between 40 and 44 years of age have the highest frequency of fatalities with BACs at and over the legal limit. As much as some bikers want to believe it, motorcycles are as unsafe, if not more so, than cars in an alcohol-related traffic accident. Motorcycles are subject to a number of factors that could leave the rider(s) physically crippled in the event of an accident, especially because most vehicles on the road are the heavier, more massive automobiles.Fact #7
About 50% of children aged 14 and under who died in alcohol-related collisions in 2006 were riding with alcohol-impaired drivers. Although it is advised not to get into a car with a driver who has been drinking, children are not always able to make such distinction, or even to know the dangers of drunk driving. The correct decision must be made by the drivers who are old enough to know what is right.Fact #8
Automobile crashes are the leading cause of death for teenagers, and about a quarter of those deaths involve an underage driver who is impaired by alcohol. Although it is illegal, many teenagers still drink. It is equally important that underage drivers are taught the dangers of drunk driving, since they are prone to becoming victims of alcohol-related accidents.Fact #9
Males are more likely than females to drive drunk. In addition, males tend to incur more traffic violations while driving than do females. In combination, these two statistics can portray a grim picture for male drivers, particularly those who have been drinking. The best solution for men is to avoid the alcohol altogether before getting behind the wheel.Fact #10
On average, about one-third of all people will be involved in a drunk-driving crash during their lifetime. The prevalence of alcohol as a part of our culture -- together with the sheer number of drivers -- leads to such high frequency of alcohol-related collisions, all of which are dangerous and potentially deadly.Sources:
MADD
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
NHTSA: Traffic Safety Facts 2011
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