Drunk driving is a serious problem in Indiana, and the statistics are alarming. According to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, there were 4,166 alcohol-related crashes in Indiana in 2020, resulting in 2,166 injuries and 97 fatalities. That’s an average of nearly 11 alcohol-related crashes per day.
Here are some more Indiana drunk driving statistics that highlight the severity of the issue:
- In 2020, alcohol-related crashes accounted for 20.8% of all crashes in Indiana.
- Males are more likely to drive drunk than females, with 77% of all alcohol-related crashes involving male drivers.
- Young adults aged 21-34 are the most likely to drive drunk, accounting for 42% of all alcohol-related crashes.
- Marion County, which includes Indianapolis, had the highest number of alcohol-related crashes in the state in 2020, with 572 DUI crashes resulting in 323 injuries and 22 fatalities.
- In Indiana, a driver is considered legally intoxicated with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. In 2020, there were 5,978 arrests for operating while intoxicated (OWI) in Indiana.
The consequences of drunk driving in Indiana can be severe. A first-time OWI conviction can result in up to 1 year in jail, a $5,000 fine, and a driver’s license suspension of up to 2 years. Subsequent OWI convictions can result in even harsher penalties. As the statistics show, however, the worst consequences from drinking and driving are when a drunk driver hurts or kills themselves or another person.
Ladendorf Fregiato & Bigler is proud to represent victims of drunk driving crashes against the drunk drivers and the people and businesses that over-served them. If we’ve learned anything in our experience prosecuting drunk drivers in civil and criminal cases, it’s that it’s critical that if you’ve been the victim of a drunk driver that you contact an attorney as soon as possible so a proper investigation can take place before the evidence goes cold and the appropriate people may be held responsible.
Sources:
- Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. (2021). 2020 Indiana Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center Factbook. https://www.in.gov/cji/files/2020_ICJSAC_Factbook.pdf
- Indiana State Police. (n.d.). Indiana’s Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) Laws. https://www.in.gov/statepolice/2618.htm