Did you know that nearly half of adult Americans know someone who’s been involved in a DUI or drunken accident? This tragic truth affects all of us and has led the US to epidemic levels of drunk driving accidents over the last few decades. To get the full picture of how bad the problem has become, here is the honest and tragic truth of how many people die from drunk driving in the US:
How Commonly Do People Die from Drunk Driving in the US
Unfortunately, more than ten-thousand people die from drunk driving in the US every year. These accidents are fully preventable, but reckless behavior and substance abuse issues have kept this deadly legacy intact, despite widespread efforts to help get rid of this tragic and deadly epidemic. The more vigilant we are about eliminating drunk driving in the US, the closer we’ll be to keeping many more people from a cruel fate every year.
To put the intensity of this epidemic into perspective, think about this: someone dies from drunk driving every single hour in the United States. Driving drunk is never worth the major risk you’re taking, and even if you survive the ordeal, you could end up ruining someone else’s life and putting yourself into life-long legal jeopardy.
Putting a stop to the epidemic of drunk driving accidents is every American’s responsibility. Next time you’re thinking about getting behind the wheel drunk, think again. After all, it is never worth it to get behind the wheel drunk.
Drunk Driving Stats in 2023
Due to the prevalence of drunk driving in the United States, there is a wide variety of relevant stats that every American should know. Here are just eight of the ones that you should absolutely know about that deal with the stats in 2023 so far:
1. On average, around thirty people die from drunk driving in the US every single day.
2. DUI convictions can cause your insurance rates to jump up more than sixty percent!
3. One in four deadly accidents in the US involves a DUI.
4. Twenty-one to twenty-four-year-olds make up the greatest proportion of drunk drivers in the US.
5. The US has already seen over one million DUI convictions in 2023.
6. Texas has the highest number of DUI fatalities of any US state
7. Vermont has the lowest number of DUI fatalities of any US state.
8. Over three-hundred-thousand people are injured due to drunk driving in the US every year (and 2023 is on track to match this record).
Breaking Down the Stats
When you break down these stats and look at the human cost of drunk driving, it’s easy to get depressed. By taking responsibility, and not only avoiding drunken driving yourself, but helping to offset other potential instances of drunk driving, we can make America a much safer place. If you’re going to a work event, or know a friend with substance issues, offering to be a designated driver can make a whole world of difference.
Unfortunately, 2023 is shaping up to be another year where the US’s drunk driving statistics remain at epidemic levels. In some areas, they may even exceed the records and stats associated with previous years. The ongoing crisis of alcoholism and substance abuse in the US has led to this issue.
Protecting Victims of Drunk Driving
There are thousands upon thousands of victims of drunk driving living in the US. The surviving family members of those killed in drunk driving incidents are keenly aware of this fact. Additionally, those who fall victim to this epidemic can sometimes begin to develop issues with alcohol or other substances to numb the pain. When this happens, it’s important to remember one crucial fact…
Getting Help is Key
Ending the drunk driving epidemic begins with getting those with substance abuse issues help. It’s never too late to seek out help and community support, and programs exist across the US to help those that are dealing with alcohol or other substance abuse issues. If you or someone you love is struggling, it can be helpful to take the first step of admitting you have a problem and looking for those that are dedicated to helping you get back on (and staying on) track for a healthier life.
The endless number of lives that can be saved by reaching out for help, and helping others who are struggling, is simply impossible to overstate. With more work, we can make America a safer place to live, thrive, and drive.