Connecticut Ranks Among Nations Highest For Drunk Driving Fatalities

In 2020 the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which is a nationwide census that provides data regarding fatal injuries suffered in motor vehicle traffic crashes, reported that 40% of Connecticut’s traffic accident fatalities are due to drunk driving

Connecticut ranks among the worst states for drunk driving fatalities. The States with the highest alcohol-impaired-driving fatality percentages in 2020 were Montana (45%), followed by Rhode Island (42%) and Connecticut (40%).

What’s worse is that Connecticut Department of Transportation reported in 2022 that Connecticut’s drunk driving fatality rate has increased by 5%. 45% of traffic deaths in Connecticut are due to drunk driving.

What’s even WORSE is that other fatality factors such as distracted driving, reductions in seatbelt use, and speeding have also increased in Connecticut, leading to a dramatic spike in car accident fatalities overall. In 2017 there were 281 traffic fatalities, in 2022 there were 363 and counting (not all the data has been added up yet.)

Connecticut is facing a serious traffic safety crisis. Drivers are drunker, more distracted, and more reckless than ever before.

How you can be safer on the road

Reducing accidents on the road is everyone’s responsibility.

1. Stop texting and driving / Look out for the other guy
   
   Distracted driving accounts for many accidents in Connecticut, yet only 66% of CT drivers say they never text and drive. The other 34% report texting and driving sometimes, rarely, or every day. Additionally only 55% of CT drivers report never talking on the phone when they drive.
   
   That means that at least 34% – 45% of people driving are potentially distracted. As a defensive driver it’s important to never assume other drivers know what your next move is. Defensive driving requires staying aware and alert as to what other drivers are doing.
   
2. Wear a seatbelt
   
   89% of drivers report always wearing a seatbelt. Seatbelts really do save lives and have the potential to decrease injuries substantially. Moreover, the myth that sometimes seatbelts are actually dangerous has been disproven. Seatbelt injuries have been shown to be rare, and in the off chance they do occur the minor injuries from a seatbelt are better than the dramatic injuries that the seatbelt prevented.
   
3. Slow down
   
   Another big cause for accidents is speeding. Keeping speeds under 80mph on the highway can dramatically reduce serious injuries and death. Driving the speed limit is even better.