The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that driving under the influence (DUI) kills 36 people in the US and injures 700 other every day. With this growing problem, the federal and state agencies have conducted several studies about DUI to gather information which can be used to prevent fatalities, injuries, and damage to properties.
Some findings about DUI:
• In 2007, nearly 13,000 people died in DUI-related cases, a 3.7 percent decline compared to the previous year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
• According to an estimate, one person dies every 40 minutes due to DUI accidents.
• Three out of 10 people in the US will encounter DUI accidents at some point in their lives, according to a study released by the NHTSA.
• Every year, more than 1.4 million drivers are arrested for driving under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol.
• The NHTSA said alcohol-related accidents cost the US nearly $51 billion every year.
• In 2005 survey, nearly three out of four teenage drivers who died in DUI accidents were not wearing seatbelts.
• In 2005 teen drunk driving statistics, three out of ten teenagers admitted to ride in a vehicle with a drunk driver within the previous months. Meanwhile, one out of 10 teenager drivers admitted to drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Half of road collision fatalities involving teenagers happen between 3 pm to midnight during weekends.
• In 2005, 24 percent of male drivers ages 15 to 20 were involved in fatal DUI accidents.
• In California and in most part of the US, the legal blood alcohol content limit is 0.08 percent. If a driver tested more than this alcohol limit, he will be arrested for DUI driving.
• 12 ounces of beer or 5 ounces of wine is the standard drinking limit.
NHTSA DUI safety guideline
To prevent DUI accidents, the NHTSA released a safety guideline for drivers and passengers that will allow them to travel safer on the road.
• If people are going to a party where alcoholic drinks will be served, they should designate a driver who will not drink and remain sober.
• Passengers should not allow a drunk driver to control the wheel. If they have license to drive and remain sober after the party, they should take the key and drive.
• Be a responsible host. Hosts should remind their guests to designate a sober driver and provide alcohol-free drinks.
Community DUI prevention
With the seriousness of DUI accidents, the federal and state agencies have implemented several laws and community-based prevention programs including:
• Minimum legal drinking age (MLDA) laws. According to a recent study, raising the MLDA to 21 years of age will reduce DUI accidents among young drivers by 16 percent.
• More stringent law to deter young drivers from drinking and driving. Several studies prove that “Zero Tolerance” law for teenage drivers resulted to the drastic decline of fatal crashes involving DUI accidents.
• Sobriety checkpoints. According to NHTSA, fatal crashes involving DUI cases declined by 22 percent after implementing this program across the US.
For inquiries regarding Teen Drunk Driving Statistics , you can consult with our experienced Personal Injury Lawyers. You can visit our website for more information.
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