Posted in: | Mar 03,2020
The most recent statistics from the state of Indiana show that the percentage of people being killed in drunk driving accidents caused by an impaired driver has dropped to significant lows. However, the actual numbers are still far too high for comfort.
According to statistics by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute, there were 99 fatalities caused in accidents involving injured drivers in 2017, the last year for which we have confirmed statistics. These accounted for 11 percent of the total number of people killed in traffic accidents in the state in 2017. That was significantly down from the 26 percent toll recorded in 2016 and 13 percent in 2015.
That indicates that alcohol has dropped significantly as a factor in fatal accidents in Indiana. That is cause for cheer, but the fact is that there are still far too many people driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs in the state.
The disturbing fact is also that many of these accidents involved motorcyclists with a rate of more than 50 percent involving motorcyclists. About 18.5 percent were driving sports utility vehicles, while 21 percent were driving pickup trucks and 24.7 percent were driving passenger cars at the time of the accident.
Drunk driving and impaired driving can take a significant toll on victims and their families. These are typically high- impact accidents and often involve speeding. The mix of drunk driving and speeding is often deadly. Drunk driving is often a factor in wrong way driving or rollover accidents, which are some of the most dangerous and deadly types of accidents with a high risk of causing fatality.
Avoid driving under the influence of alcohol by making arrangements for safe transportation home after drinking or a night out. With ride-sharing and Uber available just a tap away, it’s foolish to endanger your own safety as well as the safety of other motorists by driving while drunk or impaired in any way.
Victims of drunk driving accidents may face a long and uphill battle towards a complete recovery physically, financially and mentally. Medical bills can pile up in the case of serious injuries, and victims may be looking at long-term physical rehabilitation as well as an inability to earn at the same capacity or ability as before the accident. There can be severe emotional and mental trauma, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may develop. Relationships and families are often impacted by the stresses of caring for severely injured family members.
