Once upon a time, drunken driving was not taken very seriously. Lots of people did it, and some even joked and bragged about doing so. No great social stigma attached to people who got caught.
All that changed in the 1980s, thanks to the emergence of groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and growing public awareness of the carnage caused by motorists impaired by alcohol. Americans set about changing public policy, not to mention their own behavior, to combat the scourge. And surprise: They succeeded.
The latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration confirm that progress against this deadly problem is still being made. Last year, alcohol played a role in fewer than 39 percent of all traffic fatalities–down from 41 percent in 1996 and an eye-popping 57 percent in 1982. This is the lowest level ever recorded since statistics were first collected in 1975. Alcohol-related deaths among teenagers fell by 5 percent last year.
As the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety notes, the decline in such fatalities has slowed in recent years. But that’s only because many of the most important steps have already been taken: Raising the drinking age from 18 to 21, making the problem the focus of vigorous and well-publicized law enforcement, meting out tougher penalties and generally making drunken driving socially disgraceful.
Still, the 16,189 deaths in alcohol-related auto accidents are too many. And other measures are still available that could help reduce the bloodshed. Only 15 states, Illinois among them, have lowered the standard for intoxication from .10 blood-alcohol concentration to .08, by which point anyone will suffer serious impairment. (A federal law passed earlier this year penalizes states that refuse by denying them federal highway funds.) Only 17, including Illinois, have laws mandating automatic suspension of the driver’s license of anyone arrested for DUI. And unrelenting police work needs to continue.
Though the battle has not been won, the progress made so far has saved thousands of lives and promises to save countless more. The success of the last 15 years should not only please Americans but also serve as proof that, on this matter, sound policies can make a huge difference.
