In the 1950s and ‘60s, drunk driving wasn’t considered a prevalent problem. In fact, it wasn’t really regarded as a problem at all. During this time, there were even advertisements glamorizing people drinking and driving!
Of course, all of that changed in the 1980s. Groups such as MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) started crusades to bring more awareness to the dangers of drunk driving and reduce the number of fatalities. They’ve done a great job—fatalities have dropped by over 50%—but as the data below shows, there is still more work to be done.
How much has the fatality rate from drunk driving dropped over the years?
In 1982, there were as many as 21,000 deaths from drunk driving. Thanks to MADD, the federal government, and the governments of individual states, that number has dropped to just over 10,000 fatalities due to drunk driving in 2015.
How prevalent is drunk driving in Arizona, compared with other states?
While drunk driving is a problem in Arizona, it’s one of the states with the fewest drunk driving incidents. In fact, according to a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015, Arizona had the fewest drunk driving incidents, only 300 per 1,000 people. Though that was the lowest out of all states reporting, those are still 300 unnecessary accidents.
How does a higher BAC affect fatalities?
BAC stands for blood alcohol concentration. And it’s not surprising that the higher the BAC is for a person, the more likely he or she is to get into an accident. The legal limit is 0.08%. Anything above that can result in a charge or conviction for drunk driving. Looking at the stats, and the impact a higher BAC has on fatalities, it’s not difficult to see why.
Who’s mostly affected in drunk driving accidents?
When some people think of the effect of drunk driving, their minds go the impact on the actual drunk driver. And it’s accurate. The person driving drunk is the one most affected and likely to have his or her life ended. But there are many others who can be hurt in drunk driving accidents, including other drivers, passengers in the car with a drunk driver, and pedestrians.
How much does the average DUI cost you in Arizona?
Consider the cost of a DUI in Arizona. Do you think of the fines and fees that you would need to pay to the courts, and to other services such as impound lots? That’s only part of the financial story.
There are things such as DUI courses to be taken into consideration; courses that are often mandatory and that can cost over $500. Interlocking devices are also costly, averaging about $1,000. Interlock devices are installed to require the driver of the vehicle to blow into it every time he or she wants to start the car to test for alcohol.
The costliest fees, though, usually come in the form of insurance premiums. These will increase by at least $3,000 per year for the first three years after an accident; and can even climb as high as $30,000 by the time insurance rates drop to what they were before the accident.
Don’t forget the $6,000 on average it costs to hire a DUI attorney; it’s highly recommended that anyone with a DUI gets representation as quickly as possible. DUI attorneys can cost anywhere between $4,000 and $10,000, but they offer the best chance of beating a life-altering conviction.
What role do drugs other than alcohol have in deaths related to motor vehicle crashes?
Drugs other than alcohol (marijuana, cocaine, etc.) have been identified as factors in 18% of deaths among motor vehicle drivers. These other drugs are generally used in combination with alcohol. Statistically, most fatally injured drivers who have used drugs are male, or 25-54 years of age, or both.
Do most people who drink and drive have serious alcohol problems?
More than 70% of people convicted of driving while impaired are either heavy frequent drinkers (alcohol abuse) or alcoholics (alcohol dependent). Because they drink often, they may mistakenly believe their tolerance is higher than other people’s. Those who don’t drink often are usually more careful because it’s not as commonplace for them, and it’s easier for them to see the dangers and call a cab or get a ride home from a sober friend.
What should I do if I’m hit by a drunk driver?
In all drunk driving accidents, it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the scene, and enable physicians or other expert witnesses to evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident involving a drunk driver, call Breyer Law Offices, P.C.
Your consultation is free of charge, and if we accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is compensation for you. Don’t delay! We want to help you recover from this life-changing incident, and we have the experience to do so.