Every day, about 37 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes — that’s one person every 39 minutes. In 2021, over 13,000 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths — a 14% increase from 2020. These deaths were all preventable.
Driving after drinking is deadly. Yet it still continues to happen across the United States. If you drive while impaired, you could get arrested, or worse — be involved in a traffic crash that causes serious injury or death.
Driving a vehicle while impaired is a dangerous crime, and of course, there will be increased law enforcement from now until Monday. Charges range from misdemeanors to felony offenses, and penalties for impaired driving can include driver’s license revocation, fines, and jail time. It’s also extremely expensive. A first-time offense can cost the driver upwards of $10,000 in fines and legal fees.
About 31% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. In fact, on average over the 10-year period from 2012-2021, about 10,850 people died every year in drunk-driving crashes
No one is saying you can’t have a drink this holiday weekend. There are plenty of ways to drink and still arrive home without placing anyone, including yourself, in danger.
- Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
- If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
- If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.
- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.