How Many Drunk Driving Deaths A Year?

How Many Drunk Driving Deaths Are Attributed to Drunk Driving? 

In 2018, there were 10.511 fatalities attributed to drunk driving. According to the FBI, more than 1 million people were arrested for DUI in 2018. In 2016, drunk driving caused 28% of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities. But it’s not all bad news: between 1991 and 2017, the number of drunk driving deaths per 100,000 population decreased by nearly 50%. Even better, the rate decreased by 68% for drivers who are legally allowed to drink and drive. 

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Intoxicated drivers cause 836 billion deaths a year 

Statistics show that alcohol-impaired drivers cause nearly a third of fatal motor vehicle crashes. In the United States alone, more than 10,000 deaths are attributed to alcohol-impaired driving in any one year. In 2016, nearly 7,000 people died in crashes in which at least one driver had a BAC.15 g/dL or higher. 

Drunk driving causes 28% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States 

There are many reasons why people drink and drive, but one common factor is that it can increase the risk of a fatal crash. The majority of people who die in these accidents are young males. However, the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol extend to everyone, including pedestrians and cyclists. 

Millennials are most likely to drink and drive 

According to a recent survey, millennials are the most likely group of Americans to drink and drive. However, they are also the most aware of the risks associated with drinking and driving. The survey asked 1500 drivers about their alcohol consumption habits and identified the age groups most at risk of drunk driving. While it was found that millennials were the most likely to drink and drive, a larger group of Gen Z drivers were also at risk. 

Drunk driving causes most fatal crashes in the dark 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drunk drivers cause more fatal crashes during the dark than during other times of the day. During this time, the number of drivers involved in fatal crashes increased by nearly four times. Therefore, it is vital that drivers not only avoid drinking and driving but also practice defensive driving techniques. 

BAC among drinking drivers in fatal crashes 

In the United States, the percentage of fatally injured drivers with a BAC of 0.08 percent or higher has declined. Since 1982, fewer drivers died in crashes involving BACs that high. But the percentage has continued to decline in the past decade. In 2020, the number of fatally injured drivers with BACs of 0.08 percent or higher will be down to 7 percent.