You know that drunk driving is an issue in Connecticut and all across the United States, but do you know all of the raw statistics? If you have not discussed these before, it can be quite jarring to look at some of the numbers, as they have been reported over the years.
For one thing, you can absolutely be involved in an accident with a drunk driver, even if that person has already been arrested, convicted and had his or her license taken away. The stats show that at least half and perhaps as many as 75 percent of people who have had their licenses suspended for DUIs just keep driving anyway.
On top of that, people get away with drunk driving consistently, so you may be passing more drunk drivers than you realize, even without getting in accidents. Some reports have shown that most drunk drivers have broken that particular law as many as 80 times before they are caught.
Young drivers are involved in DUI cases more often than older drivers. In fact, 23.4 percent of the time, the drivers are between the ages of 21 and 25.
Finally, the most tragic statistic of all: Each day in the United States, an average of 28 people lose their lives in accidents that are traced back to alcohol. Some of them are the drunk drivers themselves, while others are innocent victims.
Were you involved in a drunk driving accident, or do you have a loved one who was? If so, it is very important to know what rights you may have to things like financial compensation.
Source: MADD, “Drunk Driving Statistics” Nov. 20, 2014