St. Patrick’s Day is one of the deadliest nights of the year for drivers and pedestrians as the rate of alcohol consumption is significantly increased.
In 2019, drunk driving accidents killed over 10,000 people. And from 2015 to 2019, there were 280 people who lost their lives in drunk driving accidents on St. Patrick’s Day.
At our addiction recovery center near Boston, Massachusetts, we’ve seen the aftermath of alcohol abuse, including drunk driving incidents in the city.
To learn more about drunk driving in the U.S. and Boston over the holiday, explore the statistics below.
St. Patrick’s Day Drunk Driving Statistics In The U.S.
Due to the normalized culture of binge drinking in Massachusetts on St. Patrick’s Day, many lives are put at risk every year when the holiday comes around.
Across the U.S., hundreds of people lose their lives — others are seriously injured.
Here are several key facts to note about drunk driving incidents across the nation:
- In 2019, 57 people were killed in drunk driving accidents over St. Patrick’s Day.
- During the same time period, over three out of five (63) of these fatalities involved a drunk driver.
- 31 pedestrians were killed in incidents involving drunk drivers in 2019.
- According to data from 2010, drunk driving crashes cost the U.S. $44 billion annually, with an average of $10,000 in expenses for people who were driving drunk.
If you or someone you care for are dealing with alcohol abuse and addiction or plan to participate in some of the festivities of St. Patrick’s Day, consider alcohol safety and sober activities this year.
Boston Drunk Driving Statistics
As one of the most popular cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Boston hosts parades, parties, and other events where alcohol is often present.
Because of this, many people drive intoxicated, affecting hundreds of lives each year on the roads.
Consider the following statistics about drunk driving in Boston, Massachusetts, and the state overall:
- From 2003 to 2012, 1,370 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in the state of Massachusetts.
- In Massachusetts, 2.2% of people report driving after having too much to drink.
- 393 car accidents involved a drunk driver in Boston between 2018 and 2020.
- In 2018, Massachusetts was ranked 48 for drunk driving rates.
- In 2019, there were 110 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities.
Find Treatment For Alcohol Addiction In Massachusetts
If you or a loved one are ready to overcome an alcohol or drug addiction, recovery is achievable with professional support.
Whether you’re looking for outpatient treatment, behavioral therapy, or alcohol detoxification services in Massachusetts, we can help you to find the care you need.
Reach out to Recovering Champions‘ helpline today to get started on your road to recovery from substance use disorder.
