In a March report about the best and worst states in terms of problems with drunk driving, Alaska ranked 20^th.

In this issue, we’ll delve deeper into the numbers.

The Study at a Glance

Researchers with BackgroundChecks.org released their report on March 9. In it, they used 2015 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

The researchers ranked the states in terms of:

• Deaths attributable to driving under the influence (DUI);
• DUI arrests per 100,000 people; and
• Number of drivers who admit to drinking too much before driving.

Out of all 50 states, Alaska ranked 20^th. Contributing to Alaska’s ranking was:

• A 4.5% increase in the number of traffic deaths directly attributable to DUIs;
• 3,163 DUI arrests, which shakes out to 426 arrests for every 100,000 people; and
• 1.6% of adults who admit to driving too much before getting behind the wheel.

The top 5 states with the worst DUI problems, according to the report, are Wyoming, North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and South Carolina.

“The fact that over 10,000 people a year die from DUI related accidents is a travesty,” said Trent Wilson, co-author of the research. “We hope this research will open some eyes and make people think twice before drinking and driving.”

More Disturbing DUI Facts

To illustrate the continued dangers posed by drunk drivers, consider these facts from MADD:

• On average, 27 people in the U.S. die as a result of drunk driving;
• 28.7 million people have admitted to driving under the influence of alcohol (that’s more than the number of people who live in Texas);
• On average, 2 out of 3 people will be involved in a drunk driving accident; and
• The average drunk driver has driven drunk over 80 times before their first arrest.

If You’re Injured by a Drunk Driver, Call Barber & Associates

If you or a family member has been injured by a drunk driver, you may have the right to recover compensation.

For a free consultation, call us here at Barber & Associates.

Our number is 907-276-5858 or you can reach us via email.