Little Change in Alcohol Related Fatalities in Last 13 Years

Moraga, CA, August 26, 2014 --(PR.com)-- New National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data shows very little progress in the battle of driving while drunk fatalities over the last 13 years. Since 1999 about 160,000 persons were killed in alcohol related fatalities as the percentage of alcohol related fatalities increased from 30% to 31%, and the percent of drivers that were DUI increased to 21%.

“All of this happening while the most recent National fatality data showed significant reductions in total fatal motor vehicle crashes down 20%,” says Alfred Crancer, Jr., a retired research analyst for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “A reduction of total fatalities involving DUI drivers down 18%, and a significant increase in percent of motor vehicle occupants restrained in fatal crashes.”

In the study their are more licensed drivers but the total DUI arrests decreased 15%. DUI arrests in 2012 were 400,000 fewer than in 1999. In addition, during this period the public information message changed. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) changed from a Significant Other message, “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk” to a General Deterrence message, “Over the limit under arrest.” This new message stressed the risk of being arrested if you drive DUI. As noted, the sharp decline in DUI arrests and arrest rate did not reinforce this message.

“The yearly total of about 10,000 DUI related fatalities and the additional 6,400 lives lost over the last 13 years due to an increase in the percent of DUI fatalities, paints a grim picture of the nation’s program to reduce DUI,” Crancer added.

For More Information on the Study:
Full Report: http://www.alancrancer.com/research.html

Al Crancer, Jr. 925-324-2093 acrancer@bureaucat.com

Alan Crancer 601-594-8015 acrancer@gmail.com