There are many dangers on the road that face Connecticut residents. Whether as drivers, passengers or pedestrians, you can be at risk for sustaining serious injuries from an auto accident. Such an accident could be caused by a reckless, distracted or fatigued driver. It can also be caused by an alcohol-impaired driver. While you are aware that drunk driving is dangerous, you may wonder how extensive this problem is in Connecticut.
Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration make it easy to see that drunk drivers are responsible for many deaths statewide each year. Specific data shows the following over a period of five years:
In 2013, there were 276 vehicular fatalities in Connecticut. Of those deaths, 114 resulted in drunk driving accidents.
In 2012, the state experienced 264 deaths from car crashes, 100 of which happened in accidents involving alcohol.
In 2011, drunk driving was a factor in the deaths of 94 out of 221 people that died in all automobile accidents.
In 2010, 119 people lost their lives at the hands of drunk drivers. A total of 320 people died in all wrecks that year.
In 2009, 224 deaths resulted from crashes and 97 of those deaths were in drunk driving crashes.
After a drop in the number of drunk driving fatalities in 2011, the numbers rose for the subsequent two years. This confirms that impaired driving continues to be a serious problem. This information is not intended to provide legal advice to people hit by a drunk driver but general information about drunk driving fatalities in Connecticut.