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Drunk Driving Fatalities Down for Third Consecutive Year

 

ARLINGTON, VA — Drunk driving fatalities declined almost four percent from 2017 to 2018, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2018, the lowest proportion since record keeping began in 1982, according to new data released today by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities have decreased for the third consecutive year, down 3.6 percent in 2018 – 10,511 compared to 10,908 in 2017. The number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes declined 4.3 percent from 2017 to 2018. Overall, the number of drunk driving fatalities declined in 33 states and DC, and the proportion of drunk driving fatalities in 28 states and DC were below the national threshold.

“This new data shows a continuing and long steady decline in drunk driving fatalities, with the numbers cut in half since 1982,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States and Responsibility.org. “However, there is still more work to be done to keep our roadways safe and save lives. Responsibility.org and the distilled spirits industry remain committed to continuing to work with federal and state legislators, law enforcement, judicial and other traffic safety stakeholders to eliminate drunk driving.”

NHTSA’s Highlights of 2018 Traffic Fatalities

 

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About Responsibility.org

The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empowers adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Edrington, Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moet Hennessy USA; and Pernod Ricard USA. For over 27 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit Responsibility.org.

 

Contact

Erin Hildreth

[email protected]

(202) 674-3071

 

 

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