Impaired driving accounts for approximately 20% of the traffic fatalities in Missouri. While the dangers of drunk driving are relatively well known, impaired driving is not limited to alcohol use. It also consists of drugs, including prescription medications, and physical impairments such as drowsy driving, poor vision, or reduced cognitive capabilities. For the past several decades, significant strides have been made in addressing drunk driving through a combination of public messaging, tougher laws, and increased enforcement. While alcohol related fatalities have declined, drug related fatalities have steadily increased over the last five years. Furthermore, new challenges have presented themselves in recent years such as the national opioid crises and increasing usage of marijuana among drivers. It is important for all Missourians to understand it’s never okay to drive impaired, regardless of the substance.
Statistics
49%
Increase in drug-impaired fatalities over the last 10 years
34%
Decrease in alcohol-impaired fatalities over the last 10 years.
185
People killed in 2019 crashes involving a substance-impaired driver
21
Hours without sleep has the equivalent effect of a 0.08 BAC
Substance-Impaired Driving
