Each year, there are nearly 40,000 Americans killed in motor vehicle-related accidents. In 2019, alcohol was a factor in 10,511 of these fatalities. On average, one in every three Americans will be involved in a drunk-driving accident in their lifetime. About 1.5 million drivers were arrested in 2011 for driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics. However, is estimated that during that year, adults got behind the wheel of a car at least 112 million times after drinking too much. The incidence of drunk driving is highest in the 20 to 25 year-old age group (25%), and about one-third of all drivers arrested for drunk driving are repeat offenders. Surveys found that on average, convicted drunk drivers have driven under the influence 80 times before their first arrest. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and automobile manufacturers have recently developed alcohol detection devices that can be installed in vehicles to prevent drunk driving. It is estimated this technology could save 59,000 lives and $343 billion over a 15-year period.

Proposed Legislation: H.R.3011 - End Drunk Driving Act of 2019
Prospective Sponsor: Rep. Kathleen Rice (NY)