Drinking and Driving Numbers by State
Most people understand that drinking and taking drugs don’t mix well with driving. Driving while intoxicated is a recipe for disaster. In fact, when you combine drugs and alcohol with driving, the results can very well be fatal. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are certain facts about substance-related accidents that the public should be aware of.
Top 10 States
When it comes to states with the most occurrences of fatalities resulting from DUI accidents, there are 10 that are the most dangerous. The states with the highest number of occurrences are South Dakota, Wyoming, Arkansas, Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, Maine, Kentucky, Louisiana, and West Virginia.
Drugged Driving
Drugged driving, or driving that involves illegal or prescription drugs, is becoming a large issue in the United States. The top 10 states when it comes to fatalities per 100,000 people are North Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Arkansas, Vermont, South Dakota, South Carolina, and Alabama.
Most Dangerous Drivers
According to statistics, male drivers aged 21 were seven times more likely to be involved in a drunk driving accident resulting in a fatality. In fact, men are more likely to be involved in this type of accident no matter the age bracket studied. After the age of 23, a man’s chance of being involved in a DUI-related accident is steadily reduced.
Popular Substances
While 74% of those persons involved in a fatal accident had no drugs or alcohol in their system, 12% were found to have drugs in their system. Marijuana is the most commonly found drug, followed by stimulants, drugs classified as “other,” narcotics, depressants, and drugs that could not be identified.
Rural States
The study found that the highest instance of DUI-related fatalities were in rural states. These states also had the highest rates of blood alcohol content among those people tested. It is thought that contributing factors may include a lack of public transportation and a greater distance to travel between the bar and home.
When you choose to get behind the wheel after taking drugs or drinking, you are putting your life and the lives of others on the line. Unfortunately, when you are intoxicated, you are not able to make the best decisions. Plan ahead. Decide how you will get home before you go out on the town. You could be saving your life.
If you have been arrested for drunk driving, contact our offices as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys are here to assist you. Call now.