Automobile accident fatalities continue to be reported in high numbers across the country. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are about 43,000 people killed in fatal car accidents each year in the United States. About 40% of these fatal crashes are alcohol related.
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, Maryland was one of 32 states that had a decrease in drunk driving fatalities. Drunk driving deaths in Maryland declined by 10, or a 5.3% decrease. Sadly, still almost 13,000 people were killed in car, truck, and motorcycle accidents where a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher was recorded. More troubling is the report that there is a 7.5% increase in the number of motorcycle drivers killed in accidents where alcohol is involved. Many states did not follow this downward trend as drunk driving fatalities increased in Washington D.C., Virginia, and several other states. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for people ages 1-33 and those who are most affected are in the age ranges of 15-24 and over 75 years of age.
 
These decreases are due in part to stricter enforcement and changing public attitudes about drinking and driving. Sobriety checkpoints and public awareness should both be increased and continued to ensure that these numbers do not increase. Learn more about auto accidents and Maryland law on our website.