There are more than 10,000 deaths every year in the U.S. that occur as a result of alcohol-impaired crashes. Despite other efforts to reduce the number of drunk-driving deaths, these fatal crashes continue to happen. A new report from The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine suggests that lowering the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) below .08%, the current legal limit, could help prevent these accidents.

The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine report states, “In all 50 states, drivers age 21 or older are prohibited from driving with a BAC at or above 0.08 percent. However, the committee found that an individual’s ability to operate a motor vehicle (including a motorcycle) begins to deteriorate at low levels of BAC, increasing a driver’s risk of being in a crash. In addition, studies from countries that have decreased their BAC laws to 0.05 percent, such as Austria, Denmark, and Japan, demonstrate that this is an effective policy. Therefore, state governments should enact laws criminalizing alcohol-impaired driving at 0.05 percent BAC.”

The report also suggests the following could decrease the frequency of DUI accidents:

  • Increasing taxes on alcohol
  • Requiring all-offender ignition interlock laws
  • Providing effective treatment for offenders when needed

Getting the Facts About Alcohol-Impaired Driving

The following facts and figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the severity of alcohol-impaired collisions:

  • 10,265 people died as a result of drunk driving in the U.S. in 2015, accounting for nearly 30% of all traffic fatalities;
  • 16% of all traffic fatalities involving children resulted from drunk driving;
  • About 1.1 million drivers were arrested for DUIs/DWIs in 2015, but that number represents only 1% of the total number of people who self-report drunk driving;
  • Around 112 million people self-report driving under the influence of alcohol every year;
  • Approximately 30% of drunk drivers involved in fatal collisions in 2015 were young drivers between the ages of 21 and 24;
  • 27% of motorcyclists killed in deadly collisions had a BAC at or above 0.08%; and
  • Drunk drivers involved in a fatal crash are 4 1/2 times more likely to have a prior conviction for a DUI/DWI.

Pennsylvania DUI Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved are the victim of a DUI accident, our DUI injury lawyers can help get you the compensation you deserve after being the victim of a drunk driver. You could receive compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, loss of income, property damage, and more.

Please, if you or a loved one is the victim of a drunk driving accident injury, call our PA DUI Accident attorneys toll free at 1-800-444-5309 for a free consultation. We have offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh and Scranton and will travel to you.