Economic Downturn Leading To Decline In Drunk Driving?
(November 2011) The current economic downturn has had a negative effect all around the country. With a weak housing market and many Americans out of work, it is hard to imagine that much good come will come out of the current situation. However, safer roads might be one of the positives.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics, the number of drunk driving accidents fell by 30 percent nationwide from 2006 to 2010. Even with the drop, however, there were still 112 million drunk driving incidents in the United States in 2010.
CDC numbers show that drunk driving incidents have declined by 30 percent during the current economic recession (2006 to 2010). Gwen Berger, a behavioral scientist with the CDC, says that there is no “clear evidence” linking the economic situation, but less “leisure driving” and people drinking at home instead of bars may be contributing in the decreased number of drunk driving incidents.
And, it’s possible that the U.S.’ economic condition may be keeping Connecticut’s roads safer too. Quoted in the Connecticut Post, Connecticut State Police spokesman Lt. J. Paul Vance said he was unsure if drunk driving in the state had fallen or increased. However, he relayed anecdotal evidence that might suggest drunk driving may be declining. He said that other than the Fourth of July weekend the number of drunk driving arrests had fallen over holiday weekends from 2010 to 2011 – six fewer arrests over the Labor Day weekend and 23 fewer arrests over the Memorial Day weekend.
However, evidence of a decline in Connecticut is anecdotal. According to Janice Heggie Margolis, the executive director of the Connecticut chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), statistics show that fatalities due to car accidents involving drunk drivers have remained consistent over the last few years. The Connecticut Post quotes her as saying that in 2005 there were 98 drunk driving fatalities and 99 in 2009 in Connecticut.
Even though the overall numbers of drunk drivers may in decline, it only takes one driver to get behind the wheel after having too many drinks to cause a lot of damage. For drivers that have a few drinks, protect both your safety and the safety of all others on the road by calling a cab, having a designated driver or, if possible, staying where you are drinking.
Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about seeking compensation for your injuries if you have been in an accident with a drunk driver.
Source: Connecticut Post, Drunken driving numbers on the decline nationwide, Amanda Cuda, 10/18/2011