Young drivers sometimes feel they are being “profiled” by insurance companies, and depicted as bad drivers. Unfortunately, there is a statistical basis for this stereotype – especially where DUI-related fatalities occur.
The Texas Department of Transportation tracks the demographics of car crashes, including the ages of drivers. In the most recent set of numbers, for 2015, the age group of drivers most frequently involved in alcohol-related fatal crashes was drivers in their 20s:
- Age 20: 33 deaths
- Age 21: 34 deaths
- Age 22: 47 deaths
- Age 23: 44 deaths
- Age 24: 39 deaths
- Age 25: 38 deaths
- Age 26: 25 deaths
- Age 27: 20 deaths
- Age 28: 23 deaths
- Age 29: 31 deaths
- Total: 334 deaths
Drivers ages 30 to 39 were involved in fewer fatal DUI accidents overall:
- Age 30: 31 deaths
- Age 31: 27 deaths
- Age 32: 24 deaths
- Age 33: 19 deaths
- Age 34: 24 deaths
- Age 35: 14 deaths
- Age 36: 19 deaths
- Age 37: 22 deaths
- Age 38: 24 deaths
- Age 39: 14 deaths
- Total: 218 deaths
Let’s take a look at DUI fatalities as drivers get older:
- Age 40: 15 deaths
- Age 45: 10 deaths
- Age 50: 13 deaths
- Age 55: 14 deaths
- Age 60: 10 deaths
- Age 65: 0 deaths
- Age 70: 4 deaths
- Age 75: 2 deaths
- Age 80: 1 death
The numbers don’t lie. Texas drivers in their 20 are involved in far more DUI fatalities than any other age group. It is important to note that these numbers pertain to only one year, 2015. There are several possible interpretations of these statistics:
- Young people may drink and drive in greater numbers than other groups.
- Young people may drink more than other ages, and become more impaired.
- Young people may be out on the highways when highways are most dangerous.
- Young people may engage in more reckless behaviors than older people
However you interpret these numbers, one fact is undeniable: Young drivers are at greater risk of dying (and killing others) when alcohol and driving are involved.
All drivers take on an important responsibility when they turn the key. They are responsible for what they do – to themselves, to others on the road, and to the loved ones back home whose hearts will break.
Drink, or drive – but not at the same time.
Free attorney consultation: If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, learn about your legal options by calling 800-594-4884.