States where the most people drink and drive
Although drunken driving doesn’t occur as often as it did in the past, this activity remains one of the most common criminal offenses. About 290,000 Americans suffered injuries in 2013 auto accidents that involved inebriated motorists, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Every week, almost 200 people die in these crashes. A recent survey revealed that intoxicated driving happens more frequently in the northern states.
Top States
The survey asked 1,000 residents of each state if they had operated vehicles after drinking. North Dakota came in first because only 12 respondents claimed that they hadn’t made this mistake. Delaware ranked second; 843 individuals admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol. Drinking-related accidents killed 427 Delawareans between 2003 and 2012, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Massachusetts, Nebraska and Louisiana also ranked among the top five states.
North Dakota
Residents of the Peace Garden State may disagree with this ranking. It’s possible that they answered the survey more honestly than people in other regions. However, various statistics suggest that North Dakota truly does have the most drunken drivers. The state’s intoxicated motorists cause a higher rate of fatal accidents than drinkers in any other part of the country, according to MarketWatch. North Dakota also ranks first in beer consumption and youth binge drinking.
Our State
Although it no longer appears among the top five states, Wisconsin has also experienced widespread drunken driving. The federal government conducted a national DUI survey in 2009. It identified Wisconsin as the state with the most adults who admitted to operating vehicles while intoxicated. Alcohol triggered more than one out of three deadly accidents during 2012, according to official figures.
Improvement
Fortunately, Wisconsin has achieved significant progress in recent years. Inebriated motorists caused 163 fewer deaths in 2013 than they did during 2003. Injuries dropped by almost three-fifths, according to Insurance Journal. The total accident count also fell considerably. This news is encouraging, but it’s important to remember that drunken drivers continue to hurt or kill Wisconsinites every day.
If you were recently involved in an alcohol-related crash, HBO Law Firm can help. Our personal injury and criminal defense lawyers handle a wide range of cases. We take the time to conduct thorough research and develop the most effective legal strategies. To protect your rights and ensure a fair judgment or settlement, please contact our Neenah and Appleton, WI law office today.