September 6, 2022 | By William Mattar, P.C.
What Percentage of Accidents Are Caused By Drunk-Driving?
Why does drunk-driving cause motor-vehicle accidents?
Because alcohol impairs thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, according to the NHTSA.
Drunk driving causes or contributes to various kinds of crashes, including vehicle rollovers and rear-end, T-bone, and head-on collisions.
Alcohol combined with road hazards is an especially potent recipe for trouble. Motorists under the influence often drive recklessly. Add to that scenario a slippery mix of snow and ice and the likelihood of a car accident may increase significantly.
Drunk-Driving Statistics
Every day, an average of 32 people die in drunk-driving motor-vehicle accidents in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11,654 people died in alcohol-related driving traffic incidents in 2020. Drinking-and-driving accidents account for almost a third of all crashes nationwide. In 2020, over 2,000 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC between .01 to .07.
Other 2020 drunk-driving statistics from the NHTSA:
- Fatalities in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes increased by 14.3% from 2019 to 2020.
- On average, one alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occurred every 45 minutes.
- The percentages of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes were the highest for motorcycle riders (27%), compared to drivers of people who were riding in cars (23%), light trucks (19%), and large trucks (3%).
- The highest percentages (26% each) of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes compared to other age groups was the 21- to 24-year-old age group and the 25- to 34-year-old age group.
- Among the 11,654 alcohol-related driving fatalities, 67% (7,831) were in crashes in which at least one driver had a BAC of .15 or higher.
- The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes was 3.1 times higher at night than during the day.
Drunk drivers can cause injury to others on the road, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Because of the danger of drinking and driving, those who choose to drink and drive can, among other consequences, face punitive damages.
Consequences of Drunk-Driving
There is tough enforcement of drunk-driving . When drunk driving causes injury on New York roads, the injured persons may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. Our accident lawyers can help those injured by drunk drivers pursue maximum financial recovery and achieve the best possible outcome.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, contact William Mattar P.C. today. Our accident attorneys can stand up for your rights and fight for you to receive maximum compensation. Schedule a free initial consultation today or call (844) 444 - 4444 to speak to a team member right now. We are available 24/7 to take your call.