Each year, drunk driving accidents total 10,000 or more fatalities. Safety researchers claim that the numbers have decreased in the past few years. More than 100 accidents occur on average each year in Massachusetts. By June 2022, there have been several thousand deaths related to drunk driving throughout the U.S.
Rates of drunk driving accidents
Every day, drunk drivers kill 20 to 30 people on roads and highways, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Despite the prevalence of anti-drunk driving campaigns and vehicle safety devices, more than 10,000 people are killed every year in alcohol-related accidents.
Although 10,000 people are killed in these accidents, more than 100,000 people are injured but survive. In 2020, the number of injuries exceeded 290,000.
Causes of accidents
Alcohol abuse causes drivers of all ages and years of experience to lose control and crash. General inexperience in driving increases the risks of drunk driver accidents, which is common in teenage or young adult drivers. Additionally, many people believe that younger drivers are more likely to drink and drive.
Ridesharing has led to a slight decrease of 6.1% in alcohol-related accidents and deaths. Rideshare apps provide affordable, convenient options for alcohol-impaired people to reduce the dangers of impaired driving. Even so, the number of fatal accidents remains high in most states across the U.S.
Drunk driving accidents do not occur only during holidays or summer vacations. According to annual statistics from nationwide agencies, alcohol-impaired accidents occur every day and result in thousands of fatalities every year. A significant number of people are injured. The statistics have remained steady despite the nationwide use of ridesharing apps and awareness campaigns.
