Philadelphia Drunk Driving Statistics

Drunk driving is a serious problem in Philadelphia, and one that can have tragic consequences. Despite increased awareness and enforcement efforts, far too many people still get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, putting themselves and others at risk.

The Destruction of Drunk Driving

Alcohol was involved in approximately 8% of the total crashes in 2021 in Pennsylvania, but these collisions were responsible for 25% of all traffic fatalities. As a result, alcohol-related accidents were four times more likely to cause a fatal injury than crashes that were not alcohol-related. 

• Alcohol-related crashes increased to 9,220 in 2021 from 7,700 in 2020. 
• 311 people died in alcohol-related crashes, an increase of 18 from the year prior. Of those, 24 were killed in Philadelphia County, in comparison to 29 the year before. 
• 94% of the people killed in alcohol-related accidents were in the vehicle driven by the drunk driver, and 79% were the intoxicated drivers themselves.
• 28% of the total alcohol-related crash fatalities occurred in five of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, one of which is Philadelphia County. 
• An average of 25 alcohol-related traffic crashes occurred each day in 2021.
• An average of 0.9 persons were fatally injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes every day.
• 16 people were injured in alcohol-related accidents every day. 

These numbers are disturbingly high, especially considering that drunk driving is entirely preventable.

Drunk Driving Accident Patterns in Philadelphia

Drunk driving statistics reveal that it is more common among certain demographics. For example, men are more likely than women to drive under the influence of alcohol (73%), and younger drivers are more likely to be involved in alcohol-related crashes than older drivers. Of particular concern is the involvement of drunk drivers under the age of 21. Eighteen percent of the driver fatalities in the 16 to 20 age group were drunk drivers. Additionally, 46% of the driver fatalities were drunk drivers in the 26 to 30 age group. Most (71%) alcohol-related accidents in 2021 happened at night and usually on weekends. 

Preventing Drunk Driving in Philadelphia 

Preventing drunk driving requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, enforcement, and intervention. Education efforts can help raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and encourage people to make responsible choices, such as using designated drivers or ride-sharing services. Enforcement measures, such as sobriety checkpoints and increased penalties for drunk driving, can deter people from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. Intervention programs, such as alcohol treatment and ignition interlock devices, can also help individuals who have struggled with alcohol abuse to stay sober and avoid drunk driving.

What to Do if You Have Been Involved in an Accident With a Drunk Driver

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, contact the police immediately. If you can, ask for contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the collision and take photographs of the scene. Additionally, seek medical attention as soon as you leave the scene, then contact a Philadelphia Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer. They will help ensure the drunk driver is held accountable and that you recover the compensation you deserve.