Drunk Driving is an inherently dangerous activity that carries a tremendous human cost. According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2003, 17,013 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes - an average of one almost every half-hour. Nationally, these deaths constituted approximately 40 percent of the 42,642 total traffic fatalities. In New York, the situation is almost as grim. In 2003, Drunk Drivers accounted for 529 fatalities in the Empire State or 35% of the total of all traffic fatalities.

Along with the human costs, DWI is also a tremendous financial burden. Alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost the public an estimated $114.3 billion in 2000, including $51.1 billion in monetary costs and an estimated $63.2 billion in quality of life losses. People other than the drinking driver paid $71.6 billion of the alcohol-related crash bill, which is 63 percent of the total cost of crashes. In 2000, alcohol-related crashes accounted for an estimated 18% of the $103 billion in U.S. auto insurance payments. In 2000, the average alcohol-related fatality in the United States cost $3.5 million. The estimated cost per injured survivor was $99,000. The total cost attributable to the consequences of underage drinking was more than $53 billion per year in 1998 dollars. This means that in 2000, the societal costs of alcohol-related crashes in the United States averaged $1.00 per drink consumed. People other than the drinking driver paid $0.60 per drink. Therefore, a reduction of alcohol-related crashes by just 10% would save $1.8 billion in claims payments and loss adjustment expenses.

At The National College for DUI Defense, we are all too cognizant of these costs. Our experience has also taught us that the only true solution to what the United States Supreme Court has characterized as "The National Carnage," is education brought before drinking and driving establishes itself as a lifetime personal choice.

Should you desire the assistance of one of our members in bringing this important message to your classroom, contact our Executive Director, Rhea Kirk. She will put you in contact with an experienced practitioner in your area. Please contact her at least one month in advance of your anticipated speaking date.