Statistics for Drunk Driving in Arizona
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety, someone in the country dies in an alcohol-related accident every 33 minutes.
In 2003, the United States recorded a total of 38,252 fatal motor vehicle traffic cashes, which accounted for 42,643 fatalities.
Though drunk driving is a national concern, these statistics carry serious implications for Arizona drivers.
National Trends
According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17,013 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2003. This represents an average of almost one person every half-hour.
This number represented 41% of the 43,005 people killed in all traffic crashes.
However, this number represented a three percent decrease from 2002, when 17,524 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents.
Prior Convictions
More than two-thirds of drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2003 had one or more prior DWI convictions with alcohol.
While three percent of all drivers involved in fatal collisions had a previous DWI conviction, nearly eight percent of the drivers who were intoxicated with alcohol also had previous DWI convictions.
Additionally, 37 percent of all drivers involved in fatal crashes involving alcohol were involved in rollover accidents. In 2003, an estimated 1.5 million people were arrested for alcohol-related traffic infractions.
In fact, the average American carries a 30 percent risk of being killed or injured by an impaired driver in his or her lifetime.
Risk Factors
Drunk driving is not used as a legal term, but the phrase is commonly used in everyday language.
Many drivers who are impaired do not exhibit visible outward signs of intoxication.
However, all drivers risk impairment when consuming alcohol or drugs, as DWI refers to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and impaired driving means driving while abilities are impaired through drug or alcohol use.
The Arizona DUI attorneys of Thrush Law Group offer a diligent approach for the best chance for a dismissal or acquittal. We pledge to provide clients with the service they deserve, leaving no stone unturned to win a case. For more information, please call us at (520) 325-6500.