It is no secret that drunk driving is dangerous. But just how dangerous is it? Every day, 28 people in the United States die as a result of drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That means that on average, someone dies every 51 minutes as a result of a drunk driving crash. In 2015 alone, there were 10,265 fatalities as a result of drunk driving crashes– that's almost 29% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. And these accidents aren't just happening to adults. More than 1,600 children under the age of 15 were killed in alcohol-impaired crashes in 2015.

These statistics make it clear: drunk driving is a serious problem with devastating consequences. Keep reading for more useful information on the dangers of drunk driving, courtesy of our experienced auto accident attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC.

The Devastating Toll of Drunk Driving in the United States

Every year, drunk driving crashes claim a staggering number of lives in the U.S. alone. No less than 10,000 individuals perish as a result of these senseless and preventable acts each year, as people from all ages and walks of life find themselves involved in collisions caused by irresponsible decisions.

Total Fatalities as a Result of Drunk Driving in the U.S.

Drunk driving is an unfortunately common and tragic phenomenon across the U.S. In fact, it is responsible for a third of all traffic fatalities. Although consistent improvements in education, law enforcement, and automotive safety technology have helped to reduce drunk driving-related deaths over the years, they are still frequent occurrences and represent an overwhelming portion of fatalities on roadways.

How Often Are People Killed by Drunk Driving in the U.S.?

The stark reality of drunk driving is evidenced by the fact that an average of one life is lost every 51 minutes in the United States due to collisions related to alcohol consumption. Despite increasing information on the risks associated with driving while intoxicated and the multitude of campaigns attempting to raise awareness, people throughout the country are still being killed or injured due to impaired drivers, making this a public health crisis demanding urgent action and preventive measures.

Drunk Driving & the Economy

Drunk driving is a costly problem in the United States, with economic losses estimated to total $132 billion per year. This total dwarves the amount spent on prevention initiatives and research aimed at reducing the amount of such incidents, so sadly, it’s not surprising that drunk driving continues to be a major contributor to motor vehicle fatalities across America. The financial toll of these crashes also goes beyond the direct costs of treatment and rehabilitation; there can also be decreased quality of life and emotional losses that cannot be estimated in monetary value as a result of drunk driving collisions.

If You're Caught Driving Drunk, the Consequences May be Serious

In addition to being an incredibly dangerous practice, if you are caught driving drunk, the consequences can be severe. You may face jail time, have your driver's license suspended or revoked, and have to pay hefty fines that could affect your finances for years to come. It's also important to understand that the penalties for drunk driving can differ from state to state, so it is vital to know what the laws are in your area before you decide to risk it. In the end though, drunk driving of any kind is dangerous, illegal, and should be avoided at all costs.

If You Have Been Injured by a Drunk Driver, Call Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC Today

As long as drunk driving continues to be a major issue in the U.S., resulting in thousands of deaths and billions in lost finances, it is important to be prepared. At Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, our skilled personal injury attorneys have a history of assisting clients in drunk driving accidents, and promise to advocate tirelessly for all clients who have experienced pain and suffering as a result of a drunk driver.

We hope the facts discussed here will help encourage people to make smart decisions if they choose to drink, such as using public transportation, calling a rideshare/cab company, or relying on a designated driver. By making better choices and eliminating drunk driving whenever possible, we can work together towards safer roads for everyone.

For more information about drunk driving accidents, call Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC (888) 425-6070, or send us a message online.