DUI Law In Virginia, The Alcohol Highway Safety Problem

The Safety Board has recognized for many years that traffic crashes are this nation's most serious transportation safety problem. More than 90 percent of all transportation related deaths each year result from highway crashes. About 41 percent of highway deaths nationwide, and in Virginia, are alcohol-related. Unfortunately, since 1999, the number of alcohol-related fatalities has risen across the nation and in Virginia, in 2002, reaching 17,419 nationally and 371 locally.

The emotional toll on families is staggering, but impaired driving also has a financial impact. With the lifetime cost to society for each fatality at approximately $977,000, alcohol-related crashes cost society more than $17 billion. While the affected individual covers some of these costs, overall, those not directly involved in crashes pay for nearly three-quarters of all crash costs, primarily through insurance premiums, taxes, and travel delay. Clearly, much needs to be done to reduce this ongoing tragedy.

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