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2004 DWI Law Update |
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Drunk driving is the nation's most frequently
committed violent crime. (MADD, 1996) |
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Drunk driving deaths have reached a
plateau. Preliminary alcohol-related traffic fatality
statistics show that 16,652 people died on the roadways
in 2001. (NHTSA, 2002) |
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An estimated 513,000 people are injured
in alcohol-related crashes each year, an average of
59 people per hour or approximately one person every
minute. (NHTSA, 2002) |
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An estimated three of every ten Americans
will be involved in an alcohol-related traffic crash
at some time in their lives. (NHTSA, 2000)
Americans rank drunk driving as their No. 1 highway
safety concern. (Allstate-MADD survey, 1997) |
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Preliminary research for 2000 shows
that alcohol-related crashes cost the public an estimated
$114.7 billion annually -- this includes an estimated
$63.9 billion lost in quality of life due to these
crashes. (Ted Miller, 2002) |
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The societal costs of alcohol-related
crashes average 80 cents per drink consumed. (Ted
Miller, 1999) |
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Approximately 1.5 million drivers were
arrested in 1999 for driving under the influence of
alcohol or narcotics. This is an arrest rate of one
for every 121 licensed drivers in the United States.
(NHTSA, 2000) |
