A couple of years ago, the American streets witnessed the maximum number of deaths because of drunk driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its report on impaired driving in 2022. It revealed that nearly 13,500 people lost their lives in car crashes because they were driving under the influence of alcohol. If we compare, it’s 33% higher than 2019 and on par with 2021’s figures.
However, NHTSA’s latest study highlights that drunk driving fatalities have gone down by one-third in the last 30 years. That doesn’t mean American cities are free from DUI crashes.
In this article, we will shed light on the condition of drunk driving in the U.S., the American cities infamous for DUI crashes, and how victims can seek legal compensation.
U. S Cities With Drunk Driving Cases: A Few Key Findings
Do you want to know the cities known for DUI crashes in the United States? Insurify’s data scientists had listed the U.S. cities that struggle most with this. This auto insurance comparison shopping website came up with a few key findings as well. They are:
National Averages
The national average number of DUIs in the last seven years has been nearly 1.58%. While some of the most populous cities in America exceeded this proportion, others have numbers much below the national average. The data reveals that 7 cities among the 15 most populous cities have increased traffic fatalities, which include drunk driving, compared to the national average of 28%.
West Might Not Be the Best
The cities in the western half of the U.S. were overrepresented on the list. There were only two cities on the east side of the Mississippi River—Virginia Beach, Kentucky, Virginia, and Paducah, which were included in the top 25. It also comprised cities like California, Colorado, and Nevada.
California is Under the Scanner
California, the Golden State, gets a bad rap for its drunk driving crashes. Almost 8 cities from this state were counted in the top 25. Some of the cities with the maximum share of DUI crashes are:
- Billings, MT
- Orange, CA
- Cheyenne, WY
- Sparks, NV
- Huntington Beach, CA
- Chula Vista, CA
- Shawnee, KS
- Boise, ID
- Fullerton, CA
- Santa Ana, CA
- Paducah, KY
- Fayetteville, AR
- Longmont, CO
- Oxnard, CA
- Arvada, CO
- Virginia Beach, VA
- Fort Collins, CO
- Rio Rancho, NM
- Englewood, CO
- Reno, NV
- Aurora, CO
- Oceanside, CA
- Columbia, MO
- Scottsdale, AZ
- Hesperia, CA
Over 42% of Drivers Experienced Drunk Driving
Even though the federal government tried to educate people regarding the dangers of DUI crashes, many people ignored the warning signs. Today, over two-fifths, that is 42.18% of the drivers, witnessed a family member or friend drive after consuming alcohol. A recent Forbes Advisor survey conducted among 10,000 licensed drivers shared this finding.
Even if a person consumes one alcoholic drink, it can affect their ability to drive. It’s natural for them to have faulty judgment and impaired visual functions. The U.S. Department of Transportation states that driving with a BAC (blood alcohol concentration) of 0.08 or more is considered illegal in all 50 U.S. states. The only exception is Utah, with a BAC limit of 0.05.
Drunk Driving Accidents in St. Louis
Other than the cities mentioned above, even St. Louis is also known for its drunk driving accidents. In April 2024, USA Today reported on a 28-year-old mother who was accused of being drunk and allowing her 8-year-old son to drive the car. According to the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, her son drove the car in the wrong direction,
A month ago, in March 2024, the Missouri Highway Patrol investigators reported that a woman, Lindsay Jaco, was hit by a suspected drunk driver. This happened when she was returning from Saint Patrick’s festivities in Cottleville. The accident made Jaco suffer from severe head injuries that made her unconscious and had to be admitted to the hospital.
Such DUI accidents taking place in St. Louis unexpectedly cause victims to suffer from painful bruises and even lose their lives. If you have faced such a predicament, it is essential to contact a car accident lawyer in St. Louis for legal representation.
How to Seek Legal Compensation?
You can be from any city in the United States, including St. Louis, and encounter a drunk driving crash. Such accidents occur even if you are cautious, as the at-fault driver is under the influence of alcohol.
TorHoerman Law states it is necessary for victims who’ve been hit by drunk drivers to consult a lawyer for legal recourse. The lawyer can check the details of the accident and decide whether you qualify for a lawsuit. After that, they will use the proof that you submit as images of accident injuries, vehicle damages, medical reports, witness accounts, and other healthcare data to develop a solid case. It will enable them to attain fair compensation for you.
During the legal course, you must follow the guidelines that your lawyer shares. Also, it is necessary to let your lawyer speak with the car insurance agency of the at-fault party. Since they know the tactics to bargain, they will ensure you get the correct compensation.
In conclusion, nearly 37 people in America lose their lives daily because of drunk-driving accidents. Strategies like sobriety checkpoints by law enforcement officers can bring down fatalities, property damage, and injury accidents on the road. However, the U.S. cities mentioned above still experience drunk driving crashes. It is necessary to exercise caution and also seek legal aid if you’ve been injured because of one.
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