Reduction in Fatalities Likely Due To Tougher DUI, Driving Laws
Posted on:6/2/2009
Written By: Chris Robideaux
| Alcohol-related driving fatalities have actually dropped in recent years. Between 1982 and 2004, they fell by nearly one third. As a percentage of total driving fatalities, alcohol-related deaths fell from 60% to 39% in those same years. |
Alcohol-related driving fatalities have actually dropped in recent years, due to stricter DUI and basic driving laws targeting high-risk drivers. Between 1982 and 2004, they fell by nearly one third. As a percentage of total driving fatalities, alcohol-related deaths fell from 60% to 39% in those same years. Who or what's to thank?
Perhaps it's directly related to the much stiffer DUI and DWI laws in all 50 states, coupled with stricter guidelines and penalties for younger drivers.
As of April 2005, graduated licensing laws were in effect in 41 states and Washington, D.C. -- 38 of which prohibit young drivers from driving during high-risk nighttime and early morning hours.
Currently, all 50 U.S. states enforce child safety seat laws and a drinking age of 21. As of August 2005, all 50 states had blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits of .08%, following concerted national efforts to lower the rate from .10%.