According to National Public Radio, fewer teens and young adults are driving under the influence of alcohol.
NPR reported that in comparison to 2002, 38 percent fewer young adults of legal drinking age were driving under the influence of alcohol in 2014. Additionally, among teens ages 16 to 20, only 6.6 percent said they drank and drove in 2014, compared to 16.2 percent in 2002.
The statistics were published in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and were discovered through surveys with drivers. Authors indicated that they believe a mixture of different factors are going into lowered drunk driving rates among teens and young adults, including more sobriety checkpoints in certain states and educational campaigns.
“It’s a multifactorial approach we are seeing in this particular case,” said Alejandro Azofeifa, an epidemiologist at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, according to NPR.
Although young people appear to be drinking and driving less, fatal accidents involving alcohol still take place. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013, 2,163 teens died in motor vehicle accidents, with alcohol playing a role in 17 percent of the crashes.
HOLDING A DRUNK DRIVER LIABLE FOR A CRASH
It is good that drunk driving rates seem to be decreasing among teens and young adults. There are no excuses for drinking and driving—your poor decision can have a great impact on not only yourself, but also others on the road, as you are more likely to be involved in an accident while intoxicated.
If a reckless driver hurts you or your loved one has been killed in a drunk driving accident, you should be aware that you may be able to hold the negligent party responsible. Aside from criminal charges, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the drunk driver in an attempt to get damages for your pain and suffering, as well as medical bills.
Visit us on Facebook for more information about nationwide driving trends. As the holiday season wraps up, there will be increased law enforcement patrol on roadways—avoid drunk driving.
“Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation…” Proverbs 25:5