How Many People Have Died From Drunk Driving?
How Many People Have Died From Drunk Driving?
If you are curious to learn how many people have died from drunk driving, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, you will discover the number of deaths caused by drunk driving in each state. You’ll also find out what time of year it’s most common for drunk driving fatalities to occur.
(Looking for an “Omaha car accident lawyer“? Contact us today!)
Statistics about drunk driving
Drunk driving causes a large number of car accidents, and it is one of the most common causes of death and injury on the road. In 2017, an estimated 147 million people got behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Alcohol is also the leading factor in increased accident risks and crash severity. In fact, in a single year, alcohol-impaired driving was responsible for more fatal car crashes than speeding. According to the NHTSA, minimum drinking age laws helped prevent 31,959 car accidents. In 2017, these laws saved more than 3,000 lives and assisted 850,000 victims.
Young adults are particularly susceptible to drinking and driving. Drivers between twenty-one and twenty-four years old were 1.5 times more likely to be legally drunk than the national average. As a result, minimum drinking age laws can save 30,000 lives annually. Additionally, males are more likely than females to drive while intoxicated. Men account for 80% of alcohol-impaired fatal accidents and eighty-one percent of arrests.
Number of fatalities caused by drunk driving
Drunk driving is responsible for more than 11 million accidents every year. It’s also responsible for over 74,000 injuries and fatalities. In the U.S. alone, drunk driving kills an average of one person every eight minutes. While drunk driving is a serious problem, there are also ways to prevent it.
The fatality rate from drunk driving varies by state. For example, in Montana, the rate was 8.28 per 100,000 people. Wyoming and South Carolina ranked second and third respectively, with 6.06 and 5.74 fatalities per 100,000 residents. In contrast, the rate in the District of Columbia is the lowest, at 0.77 per 100,000 population. New York, however, ranks highest in the nation with 1.11 fatalities for every 100,000 people.
Deaths caused by drunk driving in each state
The numbers reveal that alcohol-impaired driving is one of the leading causes of death in the US. In 2018, there were 88 deaths in Montana. Other states with high fatality rates for alcohol-impaired drivers include South Carolina, New Mexico, and Alabama. In addition, the number of fatalities is lower in some states than in others. The District of Columbia has the lowest fatality rate in the country, with only 0.77 fatalities per 100,000 people. New York and New Jersey also have higher rates than most states: 1.11 fatalities for every 100,000 people.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration publishes a list of deaths caused by drunk driving in each state. In 2017, there were 10,874 fatalities reported. Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states.
Time of year fatalities are most likely to occur
The summer months have the best driving conditions and the lowest rates of drunk driving deaths, but other factors can mitigate this advantage. For example, more holiday travelers are on the road during this time of year, leading to a higher rate of drunk driving fatalities. In 2018, there were 9.3 percent more alcohol-impaired crashes on the road during these months. Additionally, teen drivers are increasingly drinking at younger ages, which increases their risk of being involved in a drunk driving crash.
Statistics also show that drunk driving accidents occur most often on weekends. During weekends, more people are on the road, which can increase the number of crashes. Friday has the highest average number of crashes, with nonfatal crashes occurring most often between noon and 3 p.m. In contrast, fatal crashes are more common during the evening hours.
Effects of alcohol on driving ability
Alcohol affects many different parts of the brain and can be extremely dangerous for drivers. It slows down the reactions of the brain and impairs judgment. It also reduces muscle coordination, which is necessary for driving safely. It also affects the blood volume, which means the risk of a crash increase as the blood alcohol level increases.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has conducted studies on the effects of alcohol on driving ability. They have found that drinking at any level will impair drivers’ reaction time and affect their decision-making. Interestingly, the effects of alcohol are modulated by the amount of alcohol consumed, the person’s experience driving, and his/her age. If the driver is new or is less experienced, the chances of an accident will be higher. Blood alcohol levels are measured in grams per liter of blood, and the higher the level, the more impaired the driver will be.