According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately thirty (30) people each day who die from drunk driving accidents. This is a startling statistic, which only includes alcohol related accident deaths in the United States. Accordingly, the number of injuries and damage resulting from impaired drivers is immense. There are a number of measures being taken to try and reduce these problems; however, understanding the best way to prevent these fatalities is certainly something that should be on the mind of every individual. The statistics for drunk driving accidents is something that everyone needs to take seriously if sufficient change is going to take place. Fortunately, there are some very effective measures that can be implemented to help reduce alcohol related fatalities and injuries.
Alcohol Related Accidents Risk Factors
First of all, looking at the people who are at the greatest risk can help one understand where changes would be most effective. For example, drivers who have had prior convictions for DUI are certainly at a greater risk of another violation, as well as being involved in a fatality or crash. Additionally, younger drivers and motorcyclists are also at a much higher risk of being involved in an alcohol related accident. Of course, within these high risk groups, the likelihood of being involved in a fatal car crash increases as the BAC or blood alcohol content goes increases.
Drunk Driving Accident Statistics – Statistics Related to Costs
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, estimates that fatalities resulting from an alcohol related crash cost approximately $3.5 million per death, while the cost for an injured survivor averaged $99,000. Obviously, enforcing minimum legal drinking age, MLDA and adhering to a zero tolerance policy is only a start; however, taking measures to reduce the statistics for drunk driving accidents is something that needs to be taken very seriously. Reducing these statistics not only helps save money, it can help save lives as well.
How to Prevent Drunk Driving Accidents
Some of the most effective measures for reducing alcohol related accidents include vigorously enforcing the legal drinking age and BAC limits. Additionally, implementing sobriety checkpoints to stop drivers and check for alcohol impairment can dramatically reduce fatalities. For individuals who have been convicted of DUI, mandatory loss of their driver’s license or ignition interlocks can be helpful in reducing repeat offenses. Other suggestions offered by the CDC include, mandatory testing for blood alcohol in all vehicle accidents where an injury has occurred.
On an individual level, it is possible to take steps to reduce DUI accidents by following a few simple precautions. For example, when alcohol is being served and consumed, be sure that your group has a designated driver picked out. This person will not consume any alcohol and will be the only one permitted to drive.
If friends or family have been drinking and are impaired, take away their keys, even if they get angry. Do not let someone drive when you know they are intoxicated. If you are hosting a party or gathering, be sure to offer alcohol-free beverages and make sure your guests have made arrangements for safe transportation if they have been drinking alcohol.
Drunk Driving Accident Injury Attorneys
The personal injury attorneys at The May Firm represent victims of alcohol related accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if someone in your family was killed by a drunk driver, an drunk driving injury lawyer will assist you in recovering monetary compensation for your loss.
