Drinking & Driving

Alcohol has a big effect on the way people drive. Many studies show that the risk of being involved in a crash increases as a driver's blood alcohol level increases. As the blood alcohol level rises, the risk rapidly increases. In fact, if you drink and drive (with a blood alcohol level over 80mg per 100ml) you are three times more likely to be involved in a crash than a sober driver. Contrary to popular opinion, people with a high blood alcohol level are more likely to be injured or killed in a crash than those who are sober.

Key facts for 2003

Drinking and driving contributed to 124 fatal crashes, 370 serious injury crashes and 859 minor injury crashes.
Drinking and driving contributed to 141 deaths, 555 serious injuries and 1398 minor injuries. 31% of all road deaths were in drinking-related crashes.
The social cost of drinking related crashes was about $760 million (about 23% of the social cost associated with all injury crashes).
Over 80% of drivers with excess blood alcohol levels involved in fatal crashes were male.
In 2003, drunk drivers were responsible for killing 38% of their own passengers, 26% other drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians, and 77% of these drunk drivers were themselves killed.
The combination of alcohol and speed during the period 2001-2003 contributed to 19% of fatal crashes. Alcohol alone contributes to 12%, and speed alone contributes to 16% of fatal crashes. So alcohol and speed are factors in 47% of all fatal crashes.
Over 2 million people were breath tested by Police.

Drinking and driving has undoubtedly become a huge concern. After viewing these overwhelming statistics, I have become shocked at the amounts of car crashes associated with drinking. One should think twice before driving while or after consuming alcohol. Always have a designated driver!