Impaired driving remains a significant public safety concern, with alcohol and drug use contributing to thousands of fatalities and injuries annually. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol-impaired driving alone accounted for 10,142 deaths in the United States in 2019, representing nearly 29% of all traffic fatalities. This month highlights the importance of making responsible choices to ensure the safety of all road users.
Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is a critical measure in determining impairment. In most states, a BAC of 0.08% or higher is considered legally intoxicated for drivers aged 21 and older. For drivers under 21, any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can lead to legal consequences due to zero-tolerance laws.
Impaired driving is a serious issue that poses significant risks to both drivers and the broader community. Driving under the influence of any other substance impairs judgment, reaction times, and motor skills, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Each year, impaired driving leads to countless injuries and fatalities, devastating families and communities. It is crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to promote safe, responsible behaviors. This includes using designated drivers and encouraging others to make smart choices.
Quick Facts:
- In 2019, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities among drivers aged 21 to 24 years old accounted for 24% of all alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in the U.S.
- Drugs other than alcohol (e.g., marijuana, opioids) are involved in approximately 16% of motor vehicle crashes.
- Each day, about 28 people in the United States die in crashes that involve an alcohol-impaired driver, averaging one death every 52 minutes.
- This year, in Wayne, 18% of motor vehicle crash deaths involved alcohol.
By understanding the risks associated with impaired driving, utilizing available resources, and making informed decisions, we can collectively work towards reducing these preventable incidents and ensuring safer communities for all road users. For more information about WCRC, visit our website at https://waynecountyrecovery.com/ or contact our Project Coordinator, Renee Bolin, at reneebolin@waynecountyrecovery.com.