Driving under the influence is one of the top dangers that motorists face every day. Most people know that driving while intoxicated is dangerous and illegal, but many people still choose to get behind the wheel after over-indulging. The most popular drug of choice is alcohol, but other stimulants, hallucinogens, and depressants can also affect driving and can make you responsible for a DUI or an accident. In addition to the physical risks, risks regarding your insurance rates and liability also exist. Other statistics and information about driving under the influence are discussed below.
Statistics about Driving Under the Influence
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigations, over 1.3 million people were placed under arrest for DUI in 2010 alone. Car accidents related to alcohol have also caused roughly $45 billion in damages and claims each year, and it has been suggested that a person is killed or injured in an accident involving a drunk driver every 30 seconds. Here are some other surprising statistics:
- Close to 75% of drunk drivers who lost their lives in car accidents in 2008 did not have seat belts on.
- In a study of high school students, one out of ten responded that in the past 30 days they had driven after consuming alcohol. Over one in four admitted to being in a vehicle with a driver who had consumed alcohol.
- Approximately 12% of high school-aged males reported that they drove drunk in 2009, compared to 8% of females.
- When examining 15-20 year old drivers who were involved in fatal car crashes, 31% had blood alcohol content above the legal driving limit.
- In 2008 alone, 11,773 people lost their lives due to crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers. This accounted for almost one third of all U.S. traffic-related deaths that year.
- You cannot sober up by taking a shower, exercising, or drinking coffee. Only time will allow you to sober up to the point where it is safe to drive.