Drunk driving statistics make for sobering reading. Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in crashes caused by drunk driving – that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2022, 13,524 people died in alcohol-impaired driving accidents. All of these deaths could have been prevented.
Read on and learn about drinking and driving statistics and how to prevent it. You can also discover how to get compassionate and effective addiction treatment.
How Many People Drunk Drive Each Year?
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31% of car crash deaths in 2021 in the United States involved drunk drivers. Three times more drivers have fatal crashes while alcohol-impaired at night than in the day.
In 2021, four times as many males as females were alcohol-impaired when involved in a fatal crash.
Of drivers involved in fatal motor vehicle collisions in the United States, 14% were alcohol-impaired in Georgia, compared to 34% in Montana and Mississippi. This is an issue that affects all U.S. states.
5% of teens surveyed by the CDC said they drove after drinking alcohol in the past month. More than 14% reported riding in a car with an alcohol-impaired driver.
The Amount of Fatal Accidents Due to Drunk Driving
Almost one-third of all fatal traffic crashes in the United States involve drivers with BAC (blood alcohol concentration) levels of 0.08 or above. In 2022, 13,524 people died in preventable crashes.
From 2013 to 2022, roughly 11,000 people died each year in alcohol-impaired crashes. These deaths are tragic and could have been avoided if people did not drink and drive.
5 Ways Alcohol Impairs Motor Functions
There are many different ways in which alcohol, a CNS (central nervous system) depressant impairs motor function.
1) Slows reaction time
When you drink alcohol, it slows down your brain’s ability to process information. This means it takes longer to react to things happening around you, such as a car stopping suddenly in front of you. Slow reaction time can make it harder to avoid accidents, putting you and others at risk.
2) Reduces coordination
Alcohol affects your coordination, making it difficult to control your movements. Simple tasks like steering the wheel, pressing the brake, or using turn signals can become challenging. Poor coordination increases the risk of making mistakes while driving, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
3) Blurs vision
Alcohol can cause blurred vision, making it hard to see clearly. It can also affect your ability to judge distances and see objects in your peripheral vision. Clear vision is essential for safe driving, and impaired vision can lead to accidents. You might not see a pedestrian crossing the street or a stop sign in time.
4) Affects judgment
Alcohol impairs your ability to make good decisions. You might take more risks or make poor choices, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals. Good judgment is essential for staying safe on the road. When impaired, you might overestimate your driving skills or underestimate the dangers, increasing the chances of a crash.
5) Causes drowsiness
Drinking alcohol can make you feel sleepy. Being tired while driving is dangerous because it can cause you to lose focus, miss important signals, or even fall asleep at the wheel. Drowsiness slows your reaction time and reduces your alertness, making driving more dangerous.
Always choose a safe way to get home, like having a designated driver, using public transportation, or calling a ride-sharing service. Staying safe means keeping yourself and others out of harm’s way. Remember, the best decision is to avoid drinking and driving altogether.
Drunk Driving | FAQs
How many drinks can I have and still safely drive?
It’s safest not to drink any alcohol if you plan to drive. Even one drink can affect your ability to drive safely.
How can I tell if I am too drunk to drive?
If you feel dizzy, have trouble walking, or can’t think clearly, you are too drunk to drive. If you’re unsure, it’s best not to drive.
How can I be a responsible driver?
To be a responsible driver, never drink alcohol before driving, follow traffic rules, and stay focused on the road ahead. Always wear your seatbelt and avoid distractions like texting.
Find Resources and Treatment for Alcohol Addiction When You Call Addiction Hotline
Many people fighting alcohol addictions have no idea how to get help. Calling an alcohol addiction hotline can be a valuable first step.
Hotline staff can answer your questions on addiction and recovery. They can help you find detox centers across California to start your recovery right. They can also connect you with inpatient and outpatient rehabs for ongoing treatment, and peer support groups near you.
Call our recovery experts today at 855-701-0479.
