What Age Group is Responsible for Causing the Most Drunk Driving Accidents?

Drunk drivers are and continue to be the main cause of some of the most severe car crashes we read about every day. Did you know that each day that goes by, “30 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes? That’s one person every 48 minutes” [Source: Mothers Against Drunk Driving]. And the reason the issue continues to persevere is “an average drunk driver has driven over 80 times before [his/her] first arrest.” Because individuals are able to get away with driving buzzed or drunk multiple times before they are caught or cause an accident, they continue to engage in this reckless behavior until their time runs out.

Now, although there isn’t just one age group that can be held accountable for causing all of these unfortunate and preventable wrecks, there is one in particular that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has identified. According to the source, in 2016, individuals between the ages of 25-34 had the highest percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes with BACs that were .08 or higher compared to other age groups. However, MADD cited that the “rate of drunk driving is highest among 26 to 29-year old’s.” The age group with the second highest percentage of drivers who were involved in fatal collisions with BACs of .08 or higher that transpired in 2016 were those who were between the ages of 21 to 24.

Despite the statistics, drunk drivers range from all ages, even teens who are newly licensed and have just begun to drive on their own.

Other Drunk Driving Accident Statistics You Should be Aware Of

The NHTSA says that in 2016, the year for which the most recent data that is available,

• More accidents involving an alcohol-impaired driver occurred in July, May, and October than the other months.
• 50% of the accidents that occurred transpired in both urban and rural areas.
• 92% occurred when clear/cloudy conditions were present.
• 70% occurred in the dark compared to 26% in daylight, 3% in dusk, and 1% in dawn; and
• 86% occurred on non-interstate roads compared to 14% on interstate roads.

During that same year, 10,497 alcohol-impaired fatalities were recorded and among those who were killed in these crashes, 67% were involved in a wreck in which at least one driver had a BAC level of .15 or higher.

How can I hold an intoxicated driver accountable when they cause a drunk driving accident?

Now, if you were recently involved in an accident with a drunk driver in San Diego and you are looking to seek justice for the pain and misery this person has brought into your life, contact CA personal injury lawyer Jeffrey E. Estes. Our firm handles all types of injury-related cases and would be more than happy to share the knowledge and experience we have with you. Not only are we qualified to obtain the justice you deserve, but also to assist you in recovering the maximum amount of compensation you are entitled to that can make this time a little easier for you and your loved ones.

To learn more about how Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates can aid you through this difficult time, contact us at 619-233-8021 to schedule an initial consultation.

Jeffrey E. Estes & Associates can be reached at:
501 West Broadway, Suite 1650
San Diego, CA 92101
619-233-8021