Drunk driving continues to be a huge public safety issue both in the state of Oklahoma and throughout the United States. While the number of drunk driving crashes was down slightly at 3,502 in 2015 as compared to 3,558 alcohol-related crashes in 2014, the number of fatalities increased slightly. (Oklahoma Highway Safety Office) Often when people hear statistics like these they tend to tune out because they think that it does not apply to them. Most people vastly underestimate how impaired they are when they are getting ready to drive home after having consumed alcohol. If you are someone who is “pretty sure” that you are sober enough to drive safely, chances are you are not. It takes every single driver being willing to take responsibility for the role each of us plays in making our roads safe in order for things to change.
Oklahoma’s drunk driving statistics
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that there were 2,205 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Oklahoma between 2003-2012. That breaks down to 9.3 deaths per 100,000 people for male drivers as compared to the national average of 5.2 deaths per 100,000 population nationwide. For women, the rate is much lower at 1.9 deaths as compared to 1.5 nationwide per 100,000 population. About1.8% of Oklahoma adults admitted to having driven after drinking too much, which is just under the national average of 1.9%. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports that there were 11.01 DUI arrests last year in Oklahoma, and they are urging the state legislature to improve the current ignition interlock law to require the device for all offenders who had a BAC (blood-alcohol concentration) of .08 or higher.
Drunk driving is a terrible menace to public safety on the roadways. Drunk driving crashes often cause catastrophic injuries for those who survive them. People who are injured in drunk driving crashes often require hospitalization which causes them to accumulate medical bills and lost time from work to heal. If you or a loved one has been seriously hurt in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, an Oklahoma personal injury attorney from Stipe Law Firm is ready to meet with you and discuss your case.
Drunk driving seems like the most reckless cause of car crashes. Drunk driving accidents are preventable and the losses they cause are heart-breaking. We are here to obtain justice on your behalf by holding those responsible for your injuries accountable for your injuries and losses. You may call (918) 505-7741 or fill out our contact form today for a free consultation in our McAlester office. We are here to serve the injured throughout the state of Oklahoma.