Anyone who takes to the roads in Worcester and throughout Massachusetts understands there is a risk of an auto accident. There are many reasons for this including distraction, speeding, drowsiness and recklessness. However, one of the main reasons many crashes happen is because a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Although legislators are vigilant in penalizing drivers who get behind the wheel intoxicated and law enforcement tries to catch and arrest them, it continues to be an issue. In fact, the statistics show that Massachusetts has seen a worrying spike in these types of collisions leading to fatalities. When there is a car crash, people need to understand the importance of determining its cause when they plan a path forward.
Drug and alcohol-related fatal accidents in Massachusetts have been rising since 2020
Statistics are key to assessing the cause and effect of auto accidents. AAA Northeast did a deep dive into the numbers and came to worrisome conclusions for the nation in general and Massachusetts in particular.
There had been a major improvement in the safety numbers and how many people lost their lives in an alcohol or drug-related crash from the 1980s to the early-2000s. But since the health crisis in 2020 when drivers were free to flout traffic laws due to stretched-thin law enforcement and empty roads, the numbers across the country have gotten substantially worse.
The most recently compiled comprehensive statistics for the state are from 2023. That year, state police recorded 67 overall fatal accidents in which alcohol or drugs were believed to have been a factor. They were split nearly in half for alcohol and drugs with 34 accounting for the former and 33 the latter. AAA also reports that other driver transgressions have been increasing with distraction and aggression identified as known problems.
Recent numbers say that in 2025, there have been 129 fatal accidents in the state with 38% having drugs or alcohol as a factor. Massachusetts State Police are out in force during times when people are known to drink or possibly use drugs. That includes holidays and events. They are also increasing the number of checkpoints used.
People should be aware of the accident numbers
After any type of auto accident, it is imperative for people to think about the future. This is true if there are injuries and fatalities. The collision itself needs to be fully investigated to assess how and why it happened. If the driver was under the influence, it could have a major impact on a claim for all that was lost. Having comprehensive advice from the start is key.
