• 10,511 deaths were attributable to drunk driving.
• Roughly 28 to 30 people lose their lives every day in an accident involving drunk driving.
• This translates to roughly 1 person every 52 minutes.
• 28% of all overall driving fatalities is attributable to drunk driving.
• 980 people who died due to drunk driving were under the age of 21.
• 70% of drunk driving fatalities involved a driver with a blood alcohol content over over 0.15+.

How Individuals Stop Impaired Driving

The holiday season increases impaired driving concerns. Impaired driving not only puts your life at risk, it endangers other’s lives as well. Drinking alcohol reduces reaction time, coordination, and concentration. It also decreases vision and clouds judgment. Drunk drivers are not able to respond as quickly and do not make the best judgment calls.

Do Not Drink And Drive. The best way to avoid impaired driving is to not do it. If you will be drinking, plan ahead by arranging transportation or lodging. If there is a chance you may be drinking, act accordingly and have a plan in place. It is always ok to say no, and not drink at all.

If you are drinking, always designate a non-drinking driver in your group. If you do not have someone designated, call a ride-share service or find another way home after drinking. When you drink and drive, you put other drivers at risk – not just yourself. Never let your friends drive after drinking alcohol, this protects them and others on the road. If you host a party, remind guests to plan ahead. If you are with a friend or family member that has been drinking, help them arrange alternate transportation instead of letting them drink and drive.

Help Stop Teen From Drinking and Driving In Alaska

Nearly 1 out of 4 high school students surveyed in Alaska during 2017 drank an alcoholic beverage within 30 days before the survey. 16% of those students rode in a car driven by a drunk person, and 4% of them drove a vehicle themselves.

Educate yourself and your teens through Alaska’s strategies to prevent impaired driving. In support of alcohol awareness and education, we encourage you to become knowledgeable of the ways to prevent as well as the consequences of teen alcohol abuse.

Report Impaired Driving

Do your part by reporting drunk drivers, your action could save someone’s life. Contact the local police agency to report potential impaired driving on the roads.

Drinking and Driving – The Impact In Alaska

The consequences of impaired driving heavily affect Alaskans. An estimated 36% of deadly motor vehicle crashes involved an drunk driver. People hurt in automobile accidents by impaired driving Alaska may have substantial economic damages in addition to physical injuries. On top of the cost of medical treatment, there may be harm to equipment such as a car, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Permanent disability or loss of capacity may also be a consideration for obtaining compensation.

If you are a victim of a motor vehicle collision involving a impaired driving, you have legal rights to hold negligent parties accountable. A good personal injury attorney itemizes damages and prepares a strong personal injury claims for you.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Alaska Dept of Health: Alcohol Safety Action Program; SOA 2023 Highway Safety Report;  Alaska Strategies to Prevent Underage Drinking and Driving; 2023 Alaska Scorecard: Substance Abuse Disorder Prevention; NCDAS: Alcohol Related Deaths

Image Source: Dr. Noorali Bharwani (Medicine Hat News)