Indiana Drunk Driving Accident Statistics

December 19, 2019 | Car Accidents,DUI Accidents

Alcohol-related car accidents are often the cause of severe injuries and fatalities. These incidents affect people across the country and here in Indiana. The statistics involving drunk driving crashes are often shocking, and they highlight the need to continued vigilance on the roadways.

Summary of total DUI accidents in the US

Alcohol-impaired driving is a major concern for all drivers. During the latest reporting year in the US, there were:

• 10,497 total fatalities due to alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
• 28% of all crash fatalities in the latest reporting year were due to alcohol-related crashes.
• In 2016 (the latest full year of data available from the CDC), there were more than 1 million drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Alcohol and drugs are involved in approximately 16% of all motor vehicle crashes in the US.
• An average of 29 people die each day in the US due to crashes involving impaired drivers.
• More than 1,200 children below the age of 14 died in alcohol-related crashes in 2016.

Indiana DUI crash statistics

During the latest reporting year in Indiana, there were over 200,000 total traffic collisions. Data from the state Department of Transportation states that there were 4,450 total traffic collisions related to alcohol that year. While that number may seem relatively low when compared to the total number of accidents, we know that alcohol-related crashes tend to have higher rates of fatalities and severe injuries.

Out of the alcohol-impaired collisions that year, there were:

• 99 total fatalities
• 1,788 total injuries

If you or a loved one was injured after bring hit by a Drunk driver, don’t hesitate to call Fountain Law Firm’s Indianapolis DUI accident attorneys. We are available 24/7 and offer free case evaluations. Call our DIRECT LINE (317) 917-7873 or our TOLL FREE (888) 242-4878

What time of day has the most DUI accidents?

According to the latest Highway Safety Fact Book from the state of Indiana, The highest percentage of hourly fatal an incapacitating injuries due to alcohol-related crashes happened between the hours of 12:00 AM and 4:00 AM.

The single most deadly hour of the week for fatal and incapacitating injuries caused by alcohol during the latest reporting year was on Saturdays between the hours of 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM. The highest rate for total alcohol-impaired crashes (fatal, incapacitating, and non-injury) was Sundays between the hours of 2:00 AM and 3:00 AM.

Safety tips

The following safety tips can help defend you and your loved ones from drunk drivers:

1. Always use seatbelts. The best defense against injuries and any car accident is a seat belt.
2. Maintain safe following distances. By staying several car lengths behind vehicles in front of you, you will have time to notice the erratic driving of a drunk driver in time to avoid a collision.
3. Use extra caution at intersections. Many accidents involving impaired drivers happen when the driver blows through an intersection. Take extra caution at intersections and yield to any oncoming traffic.
4. Avoid driving late at night. Most alcohol-involved accidents happen late at night or in the early morning hours, particularly on the weekends. Avoid driving during this time period.
5. Be careful around the holidays. There are statistically more alcohol involved accidents during and around major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Day, the 4th of July, Labor Day, and Memorial Day. Drive extra carefully around these holidays.
6. Be a designated driver. When you make the choice to be a designated driver for friends and family members, you are ensuring their safety and the safety of others on the roadway.

Most common DUI crash injuries

Car accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers often result in serious injuries. Those who survive these crashes often sustain the following:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Broken or dislocated bones
• Loss of or damage to a bodily organ
• Dismemberment or amputation
• Significant disfigurement

Medical bills for these type of injuries can leave you with crippling debt, if you were hit by a drunk driver, let our Indiana accident attorneys fight for the maximum compensation for your injuries. Fill out a contact form or fall us today, we’re available 24/7.