The Truth About Drunk Driving: A Look at the Statistics

Drunk driving creates a serious hazard on the road that can lead to severe property damage, physical injury, and even death.

All drivers are taught about the dangers of drunk driving before driver's ed. However, 43% of Americans admit to driving drunk at least once, indicating that people don't take the warnings seriously. When people know about the facts, it can drive the topic home. In this article, we will look into the truth about drunk driving through numbers and statistics. 

Daily Deaths from Drunk Driving

Statistics show that 37 Americans die as a result of drunk driving every day. That rate is equivalent to 1 death every 39 minutes due to drunk driving.

The numbers are increasing. 13,384 Americans died in drunk driving accidents in 2021, that number was a 14% from 2020. 31% of fatal car crashes involve alcohol, which shows just how often getting behind the wheel while under the influence leads to a fatal accident. The tens of thousands of people killed in drunk driving accidents every year and their families may have been spared if someone didn't drink and drive. 

Drunk Drivers Cause Serious Injuries

800 People in the U.S. Get Injured in a Drunk Driving Accident Every Day

Even more people get hurt in drunk driving accidents than die. These injuries vary greatly from minor injuries to life-altering permanent damage, such as paralysis, broken bones and traumatic brain injuries. Drunk driving continues to contribute to a large number of car accidents. In Spokane, Washington in 2021, 228 of the 4,133 or 18% recorded accidents involved alcohol.

Annual DUI Statistics

Approximately, 1.5 Americans get arrested for DUI every year. Driving under the influence is illegal in all 50 states. Drivers with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher are prohibited from operating cars and other motor vehicles. 

Alcohol absorbs into the bloodstream differently based on weight and speed of consumption. You are responsible for your own alcohol consumption. To ensure that you drink responsibly, you can buy a personal breathalyzer to keep you aware of your state of inebriation. You can also choose to get a ride from someone else or order a rideshare. In fact, many people attribute the reduction in drunk driving deaths to the widespread use of rideshare platforms after a night out. 

The Cost of a DUI

A DUI charge can cost you $2000 or more. If you get arrested for a DUI, expect to pay a substantial amount of money. There are several factors that go into the final cost of a DUI:

• Bail

• Court fines 

• Traffic school 

• DMV fees

• Ignition interlock devices 

• Legal fees

Ultimately, the cost will vary based on the specifics of your case. The cost and the penalties increase for excessively high intoxication and repeat offenses. The location of the arrest can also determine the end result. 

Widespread Impact

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 2 out of 3 People will be impacted by drunk driving in their lifetime. Don't think that drunk driving can't affect you. The large majority of people will be directly impacted by drunk driving at least once in their lifetime. It's a subject that everyone should be vocal about in an effort to reduce the amount of people who have to suffer due to someone's selfish decision.