Drunk Driving Facts

Drunk Driving Facts
In 2006 there were 17,941 driving fatalities related to alcohol. This was 41 percent of the total 43,000 fatalities.

Half of all holiday driving fatalities are alcohol-related.

Most people with DUIs are not alcoholics.

About 80 percent of alcohol-related fatalities are caused by beer consumption.

About 30 percent of Americans are involved in an alcohol-related crash sometime during their lifetime

In 2004, 30 percent of all fatal crashes during the week were alcohol-related, compared to 51 percent on weekends. For all crashes, the alcohol involvement rate was 5 percent during the week and 12 percent during the weekend. alcohol-related crashes tend to be much more serious.

18-20 year olds are responsible for more than 10 percent of the drunken driving trips in America.

In addition to possible jail time and fines, a DUI conviction is cause to have your insurance policy revoked and rates to sky rocket. Many people will be forced to get SR-22 insurance.

In 2003 about 1 in 135 drivers were arrested for DUI. Thats' about 1.4 million people.

One judge in Texas ordered a drunk driver who killed another person to stand on the side of a busy street holding a sign stating that he killed somebody while driving drunk.

Australians call drunk driving "drink driving".

Ways to Avoid Driving Drunk
With lack of adequate public transportation in many cities, it is sometimes difficult to get home late at night. Here are some suggestions:

Get a designated driver

Drink at locations within walking distance of your home

Call a cab

Search for services that will take both you and your car home if you are drunk

Look for public transportation in larger cities

Ask the bartender for help and let him know if you are the designated driver

Offer to pay for a cab or drive friends home if they are drunk

Drink nonalcoholic beverages