Indiana Traffic Safety Facts: Alcohol 2010

Abstract

In Indiana and across the nation, rates of fatal crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers decreased steadily since 2001 and at a greater rate since 2006. Fatalities resulting from traffic crashes involving drivers impaired by alcohol (i.e., with blood alcohol content results of 0.08 grams per deciliter [g/dL] or higher) were at 10-year lows in 2010, declining from highs in 2005 and 2006. As shown in crash data, driving behavior is strongly affected by alcohol impairment. Alcohol-impaired drivers were more likely to lose control of their vehicle, to hit fixed objects, to speed, and to disregard traffic signals. Compared to rural areas, crashes occurring in urbanized areas were more likely to involve alcohol-impaired drivers and drivers with higher levels of impairment.