Intelligent. Strategic. Effective.

Drunk driving remains a common cause of Connecticut auto crashes

On Behalf of | Jan 24, 2025 | Personal Injury

While there are many reasons why auto accidents happen in Connecticut including distraction, speeding, recklessness, drowsiness and bad weather, one issue is still cropping up: drivers who are under the influence. The most recent statistics show that this continues to be a major problem.

Intoxicated drivers ignore traffic signals, have poor judgment and make glaring errors. When there is a drunk driving crash, it is important to have assistance with how to make a full recovery for all that was lost.

Connecticut has a high rate of DUI fatalities

Since it takes time to accumulate all the auto accident data in depth, the most recent comprehensive statistics for fatal DUI accidents in Connecticut are from 2022. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration analyzed them and found that the state has one of the worst rates for DUI deaths in the nation.

This information comes on the heels of 2024 when there were 329 road fatalities in the state. The combination of rising road fatalities and the DUI death numbers has led lawmakers to consider drastic action by lowering the threshold for a DUI charge to 0.05 blood alcohol concentration. The idea is still being debated.

Regarding the 2022 DUI fatality numbers, it was one of the worst years on record. Forty-two percent of the road deaths had alcohol as at least a minor factor with a person involved having measurable alcohol in their system. In addition, 35% of the road deaths involved a driver who registered 0.08. Researchers found that when drivers have between 0.05 and 0.079 BAC, their chance of being in a single-vehicle accident multiplied by seven.

The numbers for early 2025 show road deaths remain problematic. For the first two weeks of January, nine people were killed in auto accidents. Alcohol is not the only problem. Aggressive driving and road rage are high with the state ranked fifth for collisions and fatalities related to these issues.

Auto accidents need to be fully investigated

Considering the damage that can be done because of a drunk driving crash, it is imperative that people recognize when there is a driver on the road who might be under the influence and avoid them. Unfortunately, some accidents cannot be prevented.

Although the state is trying to find solutions, people must still be aware of the problem. When there is an auto accident and people are injured or lose a loved one, knowing how to pursue compensation for all that was lost may require professional guidance.