Drinking and Driving Data
- Approximately 16,000 people are killed each year in alcohol-related crashes. (1)
- Each year, approximately 2,200 16-20 year olds are killed in alcohol-related car crashes. (3)
- Since 1980, the greatest decline in fatalities among legally drunk drivers was in the 16-20 year-old group. (2)
- 28% of fatally injured motor vehicle drivers last year had BACs of at least 0.10%. (2)
- Four out of five states that lowered the legal BAC to .08% saw significant decreases in alcohol-related crashes. (2)
- Alcohol involvement in crashes peaks at night and is higher on weekends than on weekdays. (2)
- Among accidents occurring between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. last year 53% of fatally injured drivers had BACs at or above 0.10%, compared with 15% of drivers during other hours. (2)
- Last year, 39% of fatally injured drivers on weekends (6 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday) had BACs at or above 0.10 %, compared with 21% of drivers on weekdays. (2)
Sources:
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving
