Drunk Driving Statistics

Most people know that drunk driving is a dangerous decision and a serious problem throughout the U.S. Despite this awareness, however, many people don’t realize the sheer magnitude of the issue. Drunk driving statistics reveal that intoxicated drivers pose a serious threat to innocent motorists. The odds are that you or someone you love will one day be affected by an accident with one of these careless drivers.

The Facts On Drunk Driving

Statistics on the prevalence of drunk driving are nothing short of alarming. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 2010. Although some people change their behavior markedly after being convicted of driving under the influence, many do not. Mothers Against Drunk Driving reports that a third of drivers arrested for driving while intoxicated are repeat offenders, and that more than 50 percent of convicted drunk drivers continue driving even though their licenses have been suspended.

The Toll Of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving injury information and statistics do not paint an encouraging picture for innocent motorists who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The CDC estimates that almost 30 people are fatally injured daily in accidents with drunk drivers — a rate of more than one fatality per hour. In 2010, drunk driving accident fatalities represented 30 percent of all traffic deaths, according to the same source. On its website, MADD states that an injury resulting from drunk drivers occurs approximately every 90 seconds.

Help For Accident Victims

People who have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver have a right to seek compensation for their injuries, as do the family members of a victim fatally injured by a drunk driver. Although no one wants to think about this kind of tragedy occurring, the official drunk driving statistics indicate that drunk drivers do regularly affect many people’s lives. Anyone who has been harmed in an accident with a drunk driver should speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible about seeking compensation. Call 303-447-1144 today for details on these and other drunk driving statistics or to receive a FREE consultation from the drunk driving accident attorneys at Sloat & Nicholson, P.C. regarding your case.