Every year, millions of people are involved in automobile accidents, some result in fatalities.
In 2005 in the United States alone, 16,885 fatal accidents occurred due to drunk driving.
Of the 9,967 people who died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes in 2014, there were 6,391 drivers
(64%) with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher.
According to NHTSA, 10,511 people died in alcohol-related accidents in 2018.
From 2009-2018, on average, more than 10,000 people died a year in drunk driving crashes.
It is staggering to realize that thirty nine percent of the accident related fatalities that occurred could have been prevented had the person driving drunk just took a cab or called someone for assistance.
Yet the person who drives drunk somehow convinces himself or herself that nothing will happen, or that they are competent to drive however, the statistic show otherwise.
The rate of alcohol related fatalities has steadily increased over the past decade. Despite the tough laws that have been enacted to combat this devastating problem, people just do not think it will happen to them.
Federal and State law enforcement agencies as well as the private sector have started programs to inform the public of the dangers of drunk driving. Many of the programs are geared toward high school students and are filled with information about drunk driving incidents. Some of these programs offer keynote speakers who have actually caused fatalities. Their testimonials are graphic as they describe the accident that they caused while intoxicated. Statistics have shown that by addressing those who are about to get their license for the first time, that the seminars have a great impact on them.
High school driving courses also have incorporated the dangers of drinking and driving into their curriculum. The students are advised of the dangers as well as the legal ramifications of drunk driving.
Law enforcement agencies have also taken steps to catch drunk drivers before they can harm anyone. Drunk driving check stations are set up in every city and town in the United States. These check stations are set up randomly and every vehicle that passes by is pulled over and the driver is checked for alcohol.
Because of the devastation that drunk driving can cause, support groups have been formed especially for those who have lost loved ones to drunk driving. The most well know is MADD. (Mother against drunk driving.)
This group has done so much to combat drunk driving. They are mothers who have lost children due to drunk driving. They offer a powerful voice in legislation for the children that they have lost, and also offer support comfort to each of their members.
Drunk driving fatalities are more devastating because they are one hundred percent avoidable. A Drunk does not have the ability to make coherent and rational decisions. Perhaps if the bartender or the friend who has been serving drinks all night took responsibility and take the keys away, there would be less drunk driving fatalities.
https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving