A significant decrease in drunk driving fatalities happened over the last several years in New Mexico. But there is still much work that to do in this area. Driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a criminal offense that can bring severe legal consequences. But individuals involved in an accident with a drunk driver may find the driver’s punishment inconsequential to their recovery.
National statistics
The rate of traffic fatalities in DUI accidents in 2018 was 3.2 deaths for every 100,000 Americans. This number represents a 50% decrease since 1991 and a 65% decrease since 1982.
Alcohol played a role in 29 percent of all traffic fatalities happening on American roads in 2018. This number decreased 49% over the previous 18 years. This statistic decreased by 71% for drivers under 21 years old.
State statistics
The percentage of traffic fatalities caused by drunk drivers in New Mexico showed a decline similar to the rest of the country. Drunk driving fatalities in New Mexico totaled 108 in 2018. The death toll represents 27.6% of the total road fatalities for the year.
The fatality rate in the state was 5.2 deaths for every 100,000 residents. This number is significantly higher than the 3.2 deaths registered nationally. And while the death rate is a concern for state officials, it represents a 6.3% drop over the last decade.
Young people
The number of people under age 21 dying from alcohol-related crashes in the United States decreased by 82 percent since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration first began recording this statistic in 1982. More than 5,000 young people lost their lives to these crashes in 1982. In 2018, 980 people in that age demographic died in alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
The risk of injury and death caused by drunk drivers makes it necessary to deliver strong punishments to people found to have been operating a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol. Individuals accused of this crime will need to mount a defense to protect themselves from the potential fallout. An experienced attorney may prove helpful in building a strategy to combat the charges.
