A car accident can affect anyone in the Twin Cities area who happens to be sharing the road with the wrong person. It’s important to understand why drinking and driving is so dangerous.
How many people are affected by drunk driving?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, over 10,000 people die every year as a result of car accidents caused by drunk driving. This equates to around 28 people killed on a daily basis and accounts for almost 30% of all deaths from crashes annually.
Younger drivers between the ages of 21 and 24 make up the largest group involved in deadly drinking and driving accidents at 27%. Those in the 25 to 34 age range are the second most likely to get into a crash due to drunk driving at 25%.
Sadly, children are also affected by drunk driving accidents. Those ranging from infancy to 14 years old make up 17% of individuals who die in car accidents caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol.
What can cause a driver to become impaired?
When a person consumes alcohol and then gets behind the wheel, they could be significantly impaired depending on various factors. Even after having only a single drink, a driver can get into a car crash as their judgment, coordination and concentration suffer. A person’s level of impairment is impacted by the following:
- How many drinks were consumed
- How much food was eaten before and during alcohol consumption
- The person’s gender
- The person’s weight
Drunk driving could affect anyone. An accident can lead to serious injuries or death and can change lives forever. If you or a loved one was involved in a crash with a drunk driver, you might want to know your options.