Residents of Oklahoma already understand that drunk driving is a problem, not just here, but in all of the United States. Drivers that take the wheel while intoxicated pose a serious but preventable risk to everyone sharing the road. Unfortunately, the problem of drunk driving in Oklahoma may be worse than many believe as government facts about the situation reveal.
From 2003 through 2012, 2,205 people per 100,000 perished in drunk driving accidents occurring in Oklahoma. This means that an average of 2,205 people out of every 100,000 died in an alcohol-related accident.
Even worse, the collected data shows that the number of drunk driving accident deaths in Oklahoma is greater than those on the national level. The national rate of drunk driving deaths per 100,000 people stands at 3.3 percent. The Oklahoma rate per 100,000 people is nearly double at 5.6 percent.
To break it down even more, consider this: People aged 21 to 34 years old have the highest rate of death in both the nation and the state of Oklahoma. Nationally, this figure stands at 6.7, but in Oklahoma specifically, the figure stands at 10.5 percent. In the 35 years and older age group, the national death rate is 3.1 percent and the Oklahoma death rate is 5.8 percent. Again, these figures are based on per 100,000 population.
Having this information does little to assuage the grief families experience after losing a loved one to a drunk driving accident. Hopefully, it will encourage other victims to stand up for their rights through the law. Taking legal action against drunk driving can help the bereaved take back a measure of control over their lives.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Sobering Facts: Drunk Driving in Oklahoma,” accessed March 14, 2017
