Researchers at CheapCarInsuranceQuotes.com have come out with a list of the 15 worst states when it comes to teen drinking and driving. The study shows that there may be a connection between the number of high school students who drink and drive and the rate of drunk driving fatalities. Montana residents will want to know more because this state was third on the list.
First of all, drunk driving fatalities make up one third of all driving fatalities. Nationwide, an average of 3.4 per 100,000 people die in drunk driving crashes. Drunk driving is also behind thousands of injury cases. The CDC found that about 5.5% of all teens drive after drinking alcohol in any amount in spite of the federal law placing the minimum drinking age at 21.
The study found that Arkansas, Louisiana and Montana are the worst when it comes to both the percentage of high school students who drink and drive, at 10.6%, 10% and 7.6% respectively, and the rate of people who die in DUI-related crashes, at 4.8, 4.7 and 4.5 per 100,000 people. In Montana, 19.8% of teens ride with a drunk driver, and 33.1% of teens consume alcohol.
In Utah, only 2.8% of high school students drink and drive, and 1.7 per 100,000 people die in drunk driving crashes. This makes it the safest state regarding fatal DUIs.
When drunk driving is a factor in motor vehicle accidents, victims may have a valid case. In this state, plaintiffs may recover damages as long as they are less to blame for the crash than defendants are. To ensure a good settlement that covers their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other losses, victims might want to retain legal representation. If negotiations fail, the lawyer may prepare the case for a trial.
