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What are the statistics on drunk driving accidents?

On Behalf of | May 13, 2016 | Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving is a serious issue in Danville and across the nation. While drinking alcohol may be one way to celebrate special events or simply relax after a long day at work, some people take it a step too far and get behind the wheel of a car when drunk. This is a negligent — and deadly — act that could cost the lives of innocent people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2014 almost 10,000 people lost their lives in fatal drunk driving accidents. This number made up 31 percent of all traffic-related fatalities in the nation. Sadly, in 2014, 1,070 children between 0 and 14 years old lost their lives in traffic accidents, and 19 percent of these deaths involved a drunk driver.

Impaired driving includes not only the use of alcohol, but it also includes the use of drugs, both legal and illegal. In fact, statistics show that 16 percent of motor vehicle accidents involve individuals who are under the influence of drugs. Statistics also show that drivers who use marijuana were approximately 25 percent more likely to experience a motor vehicle accident when compared to those who did not use marijuana. That being said, this figure may also be influenced by other factors such as the driver’s gender and how old the driver is.

As these statistics show, impaired driving is a major cause of traffic-related fatalities on America’s roads. This is especially tragic as drunk driving can be prevented. Those who are injured in a drunk driving crash, or their loved ones if the accident was fatal, may want to explore their legal options to see if they can pursue damages against the drunk driver.