Thousands of people die and are injured each year in the United States due to alcohol related motor vehicle accidents. However, due to the persistent efforts of advocacy groups such as MADD, penalties and consequences for driving under the influence are much stiffer than they used to be.
Drunk Driving Facts

• 16,885 people were killed in alcohol related vehicle crashes in 2005 which accounted for 39 percent of all traffic related deaths in the United States (NHTSA 2006).
• 17,941 people died in alcohol related vehicle crashes in 2006 which was 41 percent of the total 43,000 fatalities.
• Every 31 minutes someone is killed in an alcohol related vehicle crash and every 2 minutes someone is non-fatally injured.
• Every year alcohol related accidents in the United States cost approximately $51 billion dollars.
• In 2005 close to 1.4 million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or both. That is approximately 1 out of every 135 people.
• Approximately 30 percent of Americans will be involved in an alcohol related accident sometime during their life.
• More than 10 percent of the drunk driving trips in the United States are done by 18-20 year olds.
• In 2005, 48 children ages 14 and younger were hit and killed while walking or biking by drivers under the influence.
• Beer is the drink of choice for those who drive drunk.
• In 2005 414 child passengers ages 14 and younger were killed in alcohol related crashes, more than half were riding with the drunk driver (NHTSA 2006).
• The average blood alcohol content among fatally injured drunk drivers is .16.
• Drivers with high blood alcohol content are most often males, between the age of 25-35, with a history of DWI convictions as well as polydrug abuse.
Here are a few other drunk driving facts that aren’t commonly talked about but important for those who may be facing a drunk driving related offense.
• In every state across the United States drunk driving is considered a criminal offense.
• Even if you have moved states your DUI offenses are taken into consideration should you re-offend in a different state.
• Almost all states in the United States share DUI information with other states should you attempt to transfer your driver’s license.
• Even after a first DUI offense you will be required to complete an alcohol abuse program regardless of what your blood alcohol content was.
• Your auto insurance will be affected. You will be required to carry a SR22 insurance policy, which is a high risk type policy that the state DMV requires.

Drunk driving can be prevented. It all comes down to making the right choice. However, if you do find yourself facing a DUI offense, consult with an attorney who specializes in drunk driving offenses.