Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and impaired driving are serious issues that impact millions of Americans each year. At DeMayo Law Offices, we’ve conducted a study of existing statistics and have found a link between AUD and impaired driving risks.
Based on our analysis of data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40,990 people died due to motor vehicle accidents in 2023 alone. This marks a slight decrease from 2022’s 42,514 deaths but is still an alarmingly high number. One of the leading causes of these fatal accidents is drunk driving.
In 2022, alcohol-impaired driving caused 13,524 deaths, accounting for 32% of all fatal crashes. That’s one alcohol-related driving death every 39 minutes.
Upon reviewing data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) as well as the Federal Register, we’ve found that the widespread use of alcohol in the U.S. contributes to these staggering statistics. Our study of existing data shows:
- 224 million Americans aged 12 and older have had alcohol at some point in their lives
- 172.9 million adults aged 18 and older reported drinking alcohol within the past year
- With 262 million adults in the U.S., that means 66% of them consumed alcohol in the last year
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant factor in the problem. AUD is a medical condition characterized by an inability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative consequences.
According to our review of data presented by the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics and the NIAAA, as of 2023, 28.9 million individuals aged 12 and older, or 1 in 10 Americans suffer from AUD. This widespread issue increases the risk of impaired driving and other dangerous behaviors, highlighting the urgent need for better prevention and treatment efforts.
AUD is a serious issue throughout the U.S. That said, there are several states where AUD is more prevalent. Our review of information has shown that the following states have the highest rates of AUD in the country:
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Nevada
- Wyoming
- Maine
- Montana
- North Dakota
- Minnesota
- Colorado
- Hawaii
AUD Risk Factors and Link to Impaired Driving
Upon our review of additional data published by the NIAAA, we’ve found that certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), including genetics, a family history of alcohol problems, drinking before age 15, mental health conditions, and past trauma.
Data from 2023 also shows:
- 28.9 million Americans aged 12 and older suffer from AUD.
- 757,000 adolescents aged 12-17 (270,000 boys and 487,000 girls) suffer from AUD.
- 28.1 million adults aged 18 and older (16.6 million men and 11.5 million women) suffer from AUD.
Based on our study we’ve discovered that people with AUD are significantly more likely to drive impaired, with 28.9% reporting driving under the influence within the past year.
That rate jumps to 46.7% for those with both AUD and another substance use disorder. Studies show that 33% to 50% of first-time DWI offenders have AUD, and for repeat offenders, that number ranges from 60% to 84%.
AUD also disproportionately affects men, who are more likely than women to be involved in fatal drunk driving accidents in 2022, 23% of male drivers in fatal crashes were alcohol-impaired, compared to 17% of females.
Learning about the link between AUD and impaired driving can help you stay safe on the road and protect other motorists. Consider taking extra precautions if you live in a state that has a high rate of drunk driving arrests. The following states see the most arrests for impaired driving in the country:
- South Carolina
- New Mexico
- Wyoming
- Montana
- Texas
- Arizona
- Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Oregon
Health Risks of Drinking and Driving
We’ve gathered that alcohol consumption severely impairs the skills needed for safe driving, increasing the risk of accidents. It slows reaction time, making it harder to respond to sudden changes like a stopping car or a crossing pedestrian.
Poor coordination affects basic motor skills, making steering, braking, and accelerating more difficult. Alcohol also weakens concentration, reducing awareness of speed, road signs, and other vehicles. Vision impairment, including blurred sight and decreased peripheral awareness, further limits a driver’s ability to judge distances accurately.
Additionally, impaired judgment increases the likelihood of reckless behavior, making drunk driving a major contributor to fatal crashes. Educating yourself on the risks of drinking and driving and remaining cautious on the road can protect you from a fatal crash.
It can also be helpful to review the top states for drunk driving fatalities in the U.S., which include:
- Montana
- South Dakota
- Texas
- Wyoming
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- New Mexico
- South Carolina
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
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Blood Alcohol Content & Driving Abilities
We’ve found that even small amounts of alcohol can significantly impair driving ability, making the roads dangerous for everyone and costing the U.S. $44 billion every year. A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% is legally considered impaired, but critical motor and cognitive functions are affected well before reaching this level.
At just 0.02% BAC, drivers may experience reduced judgment and decreased multitasking ability. By 0.05%, coordination and response time suffer, and at 0.08%, muscle control and decision-making weaken.
Based on our review of information published by Washington and Lee University, BAC levels also vary by gender. For example, a 160-pound man who drinks three beers in 30 minutes may reach a 0.073% BAC, while a woman of the same weight and intake could hit 0.082 and become more intoxicated.
Reducing the Risk of Alcohol-Related Car Accidents
According to our analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drivers can reduce the risk of alcohol-related crashes by taking the following measures:
- Don’t drink and drive
- Use a taxi or rideshare service
- Get a friend to drive you home
- Arrange to stay overnight
- Opt for non-alcoholic drinks
- Always wear your seatbelt
Reducing alcohol-related driving deaths and addressing Alcohol Use Disorder requires awareness, responsibility, and action. By understanding the risks, recognizing the signs of AUD, and making safer choices, we can protect lives and make our roads safer for everyone.
While taking measures to avoid alcohol-related crashes can help you stay safe on the road, sometimes it can be impossible to prevent an impaired driving accident.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an alcohol-related accident, reach out to a Charlotte DUI accident lawyer. An attorney can pursue damages and help you move forward with your life.
