Drunk Driving
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There are many problems in American society today, everything from poverty to homicide to child abuse. It would be unfair to rank or pinpoint which flaw in our society is the most serious, however it is clear to some people which problem is the most devastating. It is a sad fact that hundreds of people die every day in this country, the majority of them will have lived long and fulfilling lives, however some of them will not have been that fortunate. In 2000, 15,786 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic crashes; an average of one every 33 minutes. Of the general driving public, 98 percent see drinking and driving as a threat to their personal safety, and 86 percent feel it is very important to do something to reduce the problem. However, before one is to look into a solution to this horrific problem, it is first essential to analyze the major causes of it.
Based on 1999 data, motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for persons of every age from 4 through 33 years old. Alcohol consumption is a major cause of all motor vehicle crashes and injury. Historically, about half of all motor vehicle fatalities occur in crashes in which a driver or non-occupant has consumed a measurable level of alcohol prior to the crash. In most cases it is very easy to point the finger at the impaired driver, sighting irresponsibility on his or her part, however there are many other factors that cause these horrific accidents...