Has Uber and Lyft Decreased the Amount of DUIs in DC?
Many wonder whether Uber and Lyft decreased the amount of DUI’S in DC. Professionals from Scrofano Law PC provide information. Schedule a consultation today!
Ridesharing Services in DC
Ridesharing services such as Lyft and Uber have risen in popularity in Washington, D.C., and Northern Virginia over the last few years. There’s no doubt that they’ve made many people’s lives easier, but what’s their impact on driving under the influence (DUI) charges in D.C.?
What Are the Critical Drunk Driving Statistics in the U.S.?
Key drunk driving statistics:
- About 9 percent of fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers occur during the day, while 39 percent happen at night, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) 2019 data.
- Based on statistics from the NHTSA, most drunken driving accidents happen during June, July, and August.
- Drunk driving accidents caused 11,654 deaths in 2020.
- Traffic fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired drivers shot up by 9 percent between 2019 and 2020, according to a report by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
- Alcohol-impaired driving has severe consequences, with first-time offenders paying up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.
- NHTSA data shows that 26.8 percent of drivers that sustained severe injuries or died in a crash in 2020 were intoxicated.
- The deaths and damages resulting from drinking and driving cost an average of $44 billion annually.
- An NHTSA 2020 study on alcohol-impaired driving found that one alcohol-related death happens every 45 minutes in the United States.
What Are the Latest Drunk Driving Statistics in D.C. and Northern VA?
Alcohol-related driving accidents mean that at least one of the drivers was intoxicated at the time of the accident. The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (D.M.V.) reports an increase in drunk driving deaths by about 37 percent in the last three decades.
In DC, traffic fatalities increased by 3.9 percent during the onset of COVID, then decreased by 20% in 2021. While that is good news, your chances of getting into an alcohol-related driving accident are still high (about 1 in 6).
How Many Alcohol-related Traffic Fatalities Occur Every Year in the U.S.?
Drunk driving accidents cause approximately 10,000 deaths each year. Additionally, about 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths are attributed to drunk driving.
Should You Consult a DUI Lawyer if You Are Charged With Driving Under the Influence?
Even as a first-time offender, a DUI could cost you your driver’s license and make it extremely difficult to drive on your own. If you’re charged with a DUI, contact an experienced DUI Washington attorney for legal assistance.
Which Age Group Has the Highest Percentage of Drunk Driving Crashes?
Young people are the most vulnerable group when it comes to drunk driving. According to NHTSA 2020 statistics, drivers aged 21 to 24 are responsible for 26 percent of all drunk driving fatalities. 25 to 34-year-olds cause 26 percent of these fatalities.
Age Group Percentage of Alcohol-related Fatal Crashes are as follows:
- 15 to 20: 17 %
- 21 to 24: 26%
- 25 to 34: 26%
- 35 to 44: 23%
- 45 to 54: 19%
- 55 to 64: 16%
- 65 to 74: 12%
- 75+: 7%
How Has Ridesharing Affected Driving Under the Influence (DUI)?
Ridesharing services allow people to call a ride from anywhere using a mobile app. They encourage people to avoid driving when drunk by getting a designated driver to pick them up.
There’s a generally accepted claim that Lyft and Uber have contributed to the decrease in drunk driving. Different research studies confirmed the positive impact of these ridesharing companies on traffic accidents.
When Uber made its debut in 2011, it attracted many users. Shortly after, an independent study conducted by CUNY revealed a 25 to 35 percent decrease in alcohol-related accidents in 4 regions of New York City.
Another independent investigation by the Miami Herald showed similar findings. Since Uber launched in Miami-Dade County in 2014, there had been significantly fewer arrests made by the two largest police stations there – up to a 65 percent decrease in 4 years.
What Are the Consequences of Drunk Driving?
If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) goes above 0.08%, you are said to be legally impaired. Your weight and gender will typically determine how many drinks it takes to hit this level. However, most people usually reach the federal limit by their third drink.
Penalties for drunk driving in D.C. and Virginia vary depending on the following:
- Evidence of drunk driving
- BAC level
- Driver’s driving record
Typical penalties include jail time, license suspensions, community service, and fines. First offenses usually carry up to 180 days in jail and $1,000 in fines. If your BAC is 0.20% or higher, the judge will impose a mandatory jail sentence of 10 days. However, this sentence will go up to 15 days if your BAC is over 0.25% and 20 days if it exceeds 0.30%.
If you commit a second DUI offense within fifteen years of the first violation, you will be fined $2,500 to $5,000 and/or serve up to a year in jail (with a mandatory 10-day jail term).
If you are found drunk driving with a minor (under 17), you may have to pay $500 to $1,000 in fines for every child and at least ten days in jail per unrestrained child and five days per restrained child.
Alcohol impairment is a significant cause of traffic fatalities. According to NHTSA reports, approximately 28 people die daily, or over 10,000 deaths yearly in the U.S., due to drinking and driving.
Alcohol severely affects driving ability by slowing your reaction time and impairing your judgment. If you are the subject of a DUI Arrest in D.C., seek the counsel of an experienced DUI attorney.
How Does a DUI Violation Affect Your Car Insurance Premiums?
Consequences can be costly if you are charged with a DUI violation. DUI violations increase car insurance premiums by 74 percent on average. Moving forward, you may be required to file an additional certification (SR-22) when searching for car insurance. This certificate will show that your car insurance policy meets the minimum insurance requirements in D.C.
Apart from your insurance, you also have to worry about costly legal fees, jail time, and even your driver’s license being revoked for a year after a DUI conviction. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock in your vehicle.
How Can a DUI Defense Lawyer Help You if You Are Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident?
Are you facing a DUI conviction? A dedicated DC DUI lawyer can represent you and highlight the most suitable legal options. At Scrofano Law, we take the time to get the facts behind drunk driving incidents. Our legal team will explain the criminal process for drunken driving and discuss legal options for a defense strategy with you. We will fight to reduce or eliminate the impaired driving charges against you. Call us to schedule a free consultation today!
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