Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Occupant Protection Use Survey, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's National Center for Statistics and Analysis. Seventy-one percent of fatally injured ATV riders were killed in crashes involving no other vehicles in 2020, compared with 47 percent of passenger vehicle occupants killed in crashes and 40 percent of motorcyclists. Motorcycle helmets save lives and reduce the severity of injuries to riders and their passengers. It is virtually impossible to guarantee your safety or health while riding a bike. California and Florida rank as the top two states in terms of registered motorcycles, but the deadliest state is Louisiana, with a rate of fatal accidents of 21.1 per 10,000 registered motorcycles. Among fatally injured motorcycle drivers in 2020, 82 percent of cruiser or standard motorcycle drivers were 30 or older, as were 94 percent of touring bike drivers. In addition, most of them (57%) happened in daylight. 1997 Crash Facts. 1999 Crash Facts. [25] Enhanced operator training of how to achieve optimal breaking of motorcycle may increase safety. A helmet is unlikely to cause an accident if its a well-fitted and certified model. In 2019, there were about 84,000 injuries among motorcyclists. [6] Sport and super sport riders were also likely to be younger among those involved in a fatal accident, with an average age of 27 (for the year 2005). [9], Non-fatal injuries for motorcycle accidents include the danger of paralysis, such as quadriplegia. How dangerous is it really for motorcyclists on Americas roads? It also found that 40% of the riders between 40 and 44 years of age who died in crashes in 2019 were drunk. In states without the Universal Helmet Act, 57% of motorcyclists killed in 2019 did not wear helmets (compared to 9% in states with the Universal Helmet Act). In nine years motorcycle deaths more than doubled from the late 1990s to 2008. Of the fatal motorcycle accidents occurring in 2019, the NHTSA found that 29% of the motorcycle operators were intoxicated. Operating a motorcycle requires a different combination of physical and mental skills than those used in driving four-wheel vehicles. 8.6 million motorcycles were registered in the US in 2021 Only 3% of vehicles on US roads are motorcycles, and they cover only 0.6% of all vehicle miles Road accidents are the leading cause of death for those aged up to 29 years Nearly 20,000 cars are involved in fatal crashes each year There are 1.11 deaths per 100 million miles travelled by car Analysis of available data about fatal motorcycle accidents provides a better understanding of their causes and factors contributing to the death of a rider instead of a survivable injury. Among the motorcycles whose drivers were killed in 2020, 94 percent of touring bikes had engines larger than 1,400 cc, while virtually all supersport bikes had engine sizes of 1,000 cc or smaller. However, do you know how many machines are currently on the road? To request crash data, please visit the Public Record Center. That said, dont let this fact keep you away from the activity you enjoy the most. Motorcycles are by their nature far less crashworthy than closed vehicles. Both organizations are wholly supported by these auto insurers and insurance associations. Impairment was highest at52 percent among fatally injured ATV drivers ages 30-39. The second age group with the highest number of motorcyclist fatalities was 6069, with 640 such fatalities. As noted by First Checkpoint, the average bikes speed at the time of impact is 21.5 mph. The average speed of a motorcycle before the crash is 29.8 mph. 2002 Crash Facts. [11] Blunt abdominal trauma can be caused by a motorcycle accident, and can damage the testes and intestines. Statistics on motorcycle accidents underline the importance of taking a motorcycle safety course, which can help lower the risk of a crash in novice riders. [4] 319 died on All terrain vehicles in 2013. As reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5014 people died in motorcycle accidents in the USA. [23] One hope may be Collision avoidance systems on more vehicles. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not designed for on-highway use, but in recent yearshundreds ofriders died in crashes on public roads annually. Fri, 14 Jan 2022. Deaths of motorcyclists in Florida and California According to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, there were 591 motorcyclist deaths in Florida and 474 in California in 2019. Cities have busy roadways with lots of traffic including standard road traffic and commercial delivery trucks. Not only were motorcyclists 29 times more likely to die in a crash than drivers and passengers of other types of vehicles, but they were four times more likely to be injured. Weve included information on road safety, bike crashes, and several other things you might want to know about. Less than 1% of trucks were involved in fatal crashes compared with 25% of motorcycles based on the rate per mile traveled. 22% of female bikers are Generation X, while 26% of them are Millennials. It is important to understand that injuries involving motorcycles can be devastating. The former covers medical bills and lost wages, while the latter pays to repair and replace your motorcycle. Leaving sufficient space between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead of you and staying out of other blind spots are only a few examples of always being aware and alert. (1) Includes motorcyclists killed on unknown day of week. Overview Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. According to WHO, India has the highest death rate due to bike crashes. 30% of motorcyclists involved in a fatal accident in 2019 were driving without a valid motorcycle license. That's not an exaggeration. More specifically, 591 people lost their lives in motorcycle accidents in Florida that year. This means that a cars driver hits the biker head-on. That said, you have a few options of at least protecting yourself somewhat. Intersections are usually where most accidents occur when another vehicle violates the motorbikes right-of-way or other rules and traffic controls. . [1] Automobile fatalities continued to decline for the seventh straight year before 2011. However, it is head-on collisions with cars that make up one of the biggest types of fatal collisions. Since motorcycles are unenclosed vehicles, riders are less protected from various hazards and more likely to sustain a severe injury in the event of a mishap. US Forest Service accused of failing to protect meadow mouse A 66-year-old man was killed Saturday morning when he lost control of his motorcycle in Sturgis, hit a curb and fell off the motorcycle. For Georgia, motorcyclist fatalities have steadily increased in recent years. Motorcycles are great fun to ride, but your joy ride can quickly turn ugly if you mix drinking and driving. These helmets meet or exceed the safety standards set by the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). Despite the number of deaths, the government hasn't done anything to deal with this issue. Do you know where a helmet impact occurs the most? For this reason, feel free to share some of these with your fellow riders to spread awareness and interesting facts. Further SCHP data also shows more than half of bikers who died in wrecks didn't . 42% of motorcyclists who died in a single vehicle accident in 2019 were alcoholics. Not only is California the most populous state in the United States with the largest number of motorcycles, but it is also the most populous state in the United States, accounting for almost 12 percent of the countrys total population. [20] Between 2001 and 2008, the portion of fatalities from motorcycles tripled, and by 2008 was almost 40% of overall vehicle fatalities. Abdomen injuries occurred in 15% of collisions. [4][8] There is a reported 80% chance of injury or death on a motorcycle in the event of an accident, compared to about 20% for passenger vehicles. 92% of all riders involved in crashes are self-taught. All Rights Reserved. Theres no such thing as a minor motorbike crash. [18] Between 1999 and 2012 4,423 died in combined motor vehicle deaths including motorcycles. In contrast, motorcycle helmet statistics reveal that only 9% of killed motorcyclists werent wearing a helmet in states with universal helmet laws. However, the fact that such accidents are more dangerous for bikers is not surprising. Still, you need to be alert to situations that may endanger your safety. However, when broken down by the rate of fatal crashes per 100,000 registered vehicles, it shows that 58% of motorcycles versus 9.4% of cars were involved in fatal collisions. Preliminary estimates indicate motorcycle deaths will pass 6,000 a year once 2021 totals are tabulated. There may be even more on the roads, though. This is a list of numbers of motorcycle deaths in U.S. by year from 1994 to 2014. Fortypercent of motorcyclist deaths in 2020 occurred in single-vehicle crashes, and 60 percent occurred in multiple-vehicle crashes. The most likely places for motorcycle fatalities werent intersections. In contrast, 91% of deadly events occur on roads that are not interstates. [6][34] (In the US, motorcycles includes both motorized tricycles and bicycles.) On top of that, another $8 billion in harm could be saved if every motorcycle rider wore a helmet. In 2020,38 percent of fatally injured ATV drivers on public roads had BACs at or above 0.08 percent. After checking the weather forecast before heading out, make sure you also look at the route you plan to take and the address of your destination. Wearing armored riding boots reduces the chance of open-wound injuries by as much as 90%, as shown in a study by the Marine Corps Safety and Force Preservation. It is noteworthy that the demographic most commonly associated with riding is the over-40 group. Design, engine size, and equipment vary from one type of motorcycle to another, as does the rate of accidents. Our professional legal team screens submissions and assigns cases to some of the best motorcycle lawyers in the US. If you ride a motorcycle, the data presented here will be of interest. Bikes arent as stable as cars, and rides often lack the protection a car driver has. Other dangers to motorcycles include enhanced risks compared to other vehicles include potholes, uneven pavement, and unexpected objects in the road such as animals. The lack of a protective cage and safety features, such as seat belts and airbags, that other vehicles have as standard equipment increase the likelihood that an accident will result in a motorcyclist being taken to a hospital. Anticipate conditions: It may be a clear, sunny day when you start your ride, but weather conditions can quickly change and result in you riding in rain or snow. Since 2002, the total registered motorcycle count has doubled. Just before the crash, it is about 29.8 mph. Please note that these figures do not involve the errors in judgment made by the car, van, or trucks driver. Considering the number of registered motorcyclists, a little over 1% of them are involved in motorcycle crashes every year.Then again, not all motorcycle accidents (especially the minor ones) are reported, meaning the actual numbers are higher. Three blocks from where fellow Allman Brothers Band member Duane Allman had his fatal motorcycle crash. [4] At the same time occupant deaths of other types of vehicles have decreased in the 21st century, so motorcycle accident deaths have become an increased share of all deaths and noted for being 26 times more deadly than cars. This statistic dates back to 2019 when the overwhelming majority of deaths during motorcycling happened to men. It opposes a high risk of fire non-present in crashes involving other vehicles. [7], Since about 2004 over 4,000 people have died every year up to 2014 in motorcycle accidents, and in 2007 and 2008 deaths exceeded 5,000 per year. As many as 69% of questioned Millennials mentioned that theyre more interested in electric bikes due to their sustainability and environmental impact. Among ATV riders killed in single-vehicle crashes in 2020, 64 percent involved the ATV rolling over during the crash. Motorcyclists over the age of 40 are injured in accidents about 20 times more often than drivers of the same age. Or is it because authorities dont understand the benefits of a universal helmet law? All motors arent created equal. Motorcycle accident statistics prove that they are less common than car crashes. Since motorcyclists lack the surrounding protective structure of other vehicles, they are more likely to sustain severe injuries, or even fatal ones, after a crash.Namely, motorcycle fatalities occurred nearly 29 times more frequently compared to passenger car occupant deaths in crashes in 2019. Motorcyclists who wear safety clothing are less likely to require hospital help. [17] One study evaluated motorcycles as being 37 times more dangerous for a fatal accident than a car. The challenge faced when researching motorcycle accidents is the absence of data available for the number of accidents occurring throughout the country over a year. However, the vast majority, 66%, happened in places other than intersections. According to TechNavio, we can expect the electric motorcycle industry to grow by 42% by 2021. Just about 89% of fatal motorcycle accidents occur when the skies are clear or cloudy. Two seconds. When motorcycles crash, their riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, so they're more likely to be injured or killed. In nine years motorcycle deaths more than doubled from the late 1990s to 2008. [11] It has been suggested that the combination of older riders on higher-powered motorcycles might have been partially responsible for the increase in motorcycle deaths from the late 1990s until 2004. [2] In 2008, 47% of fatal accidents were with another vehicle, and of those 77% involved a head-on collision with a motorcycle and in 7% the motorcycle was struck from behind. 2022 Motorcycle Legal Fundation all rights reserved. The following statistics were provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and updated in September 2021. About half of fatally injured drivers of touring motorcycles and of cruisers or standard motorcycles were helmeted. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Namely, some of the motorcycles which are more commonly involved in crashes are cruisers.Moreover, street bikes and MX/Enduro motorcycles also account for a high number of crashes. (1) NHTSA began using police-reported crash data from the Crash Report Sampling System, replacing the National Automotive Sampling System A total of 154 motorcyclists died in crashes, up 9% from the number of . This translates into an injury rate of 426 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled that year. Available 24/7. . Only in 1/1000 is the speed at 86 mph. [10] Motorcycle accidents are risk factor for injuries to testicles, delicate reproductive organs that are contained in thin skinned sac outside the body in males. You have undoubtedly seen your fair share of Yamaha V-Max and BMW R18s on the road. For this reason, bikers are more likely to be killed or at least injured in a crash. Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison collected data on the worst motorcycle accidents and found that the spinal injury incidence rate was twice as likely in bikers who didnt wear a helmet. Motorcycle fatalities decreased 9.4% from 523 in 2018 to 474 in 2019. It is a misconception that rain is to blame for the majority of motorcyclist fatalities. From 2017 to 2019, motorcyclist fatalities increased by 22%. [12], Half of motorcycle fatalities in single-vehicle crashes relate to problems negotiating a curve prior to a crashalmost 60 percent of motorcyclist fatalities in single-vehicle crashes occur at night. Only 2% of all motorcycle accidents are caused by roadway damage, potholes, and pavement ridges. Ride a motorcycle that suits you: A too big, too heavy, or overpowered motorcycle is difficult to control and increases the risk of an accident. (More on Safety Ratings here.). [24] Of the two-vehicle crashes one nearly 40% involved the motorcycle hitting another vehicle turning left.[24]. Is it because people dont want such a rule? Includes pickups, vans, truck-based station wagons and utility vehicles. 88.93% of Motorbike Fatalities Occur in Cloudy or Clear Weather. In 2013, a total of 32,479 were killed including motorcycle fatalities. Seventy-three percent of ATV riders killed on public roads in 2020 were on rural roads. The rate at which they occur seems to be split almost equally between daytime and nighttime hours. This means that 34% of those involved in an accident died. [4], The breakdown in deaths by type of bike in 2013 is as follows: Cruiser 1,281, Touring 578, Sport-touring 22, Sport 269, Supersport 945, off-road 42, other or unknown 889. The table presented shows injuries and injury rates for motorcyclists over the nine years from 2010 through 2019. By knowing these details, you can do a better job of protecting yourself and others while on the road. In 2019, motorcycle riders involved in deadly accidents had higher percentages of alcohol (29%) than drivers of other motor vehicles. It makes the Golden State the number one location for bike riders. The table below shows Occupant Fatality Rates by vehicle type, 2010 and 2019: Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. At the bottom of the ranking are Rhode Island, Delaware, District of Columbia, and less populated states such as Wyoming and Alaska with less than 25,000 registrations. It also represents why motorcycle riders are 29 times more likely to die in a crash, based on a comparison of vehicle miles driven, than drivers and passengers of other types of vehicles. Call for A Free Consultation Today: Buy a motorcycle that you can control, particularly when you need to maneuver out of a dangerous situation. Head injuries occurred in 35% of collisions. The fact that car accidents occur more frequently than motorcycle accidents should not be a surprise considering that cars far outnumber motorcycles. In the same year, about 62,000 motorcycles were registered in Florida. Most riders who cause an accident have already been involved in at least one in the past. Of the riders who were killed during a crash, motorcycle accident statistics suggest that 33% were riding an engine size that was greater than 1,400cc. "We are concerned about the death of so many motorcyclists in 2020 with the traditional riding season still to come," said Pam Pannkuk, Acting Director of the Washington Traffic Safety Commission. [3] It was also 14% in 2008. Three riders died in the 1940s; twenty-nine in the 1950s; twenty-seven in the 1960s; twenty-four in the 1970s; fourteen in the 1980s; two in the 1990s; one in the 2000s; three in the 2010s; and one in . GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) South Carolina reported more deaths on motorcycles in 2021 than any year in the past four decades. To keep everyone safe, we urge drivers and motorcyclists to share the road and be alert, and we're reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober. [2] In 2013, 6% of the fatalities were passengers (non-operator) of the total deaths that year for motorcycles 4,688. Motorcycle coaching may also bring your motorcycle insurance premium down, which is an added, but not an insignificant, benefit. Currently, 19 states and the District of Columbia have universal helmet laws requiring their use by all motorcyclists. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, motorcycle accidents in the U.S. claimed the lives of 5,014 riders and injured another 84,000. Compared to other drivers, motorcyclists have a considerably higher number of single-vehicle accidents. Now more than ever, companies are trying to adapt to this new market with different innovative motorcycles. You may be able to increase your reaction time by keeping more space between you and other vehicles. Avoiding the road at this time may not be an option, so just focus on staying visible and vigilant. According to Statista, in 2020, the total number of public, personal, and commercial motorcycles registered in the US states and the District of Columbia totaled approximately 8.32 million. On the other side of the spectrum, people under 16 represented the age group with the fewest motorcyclist fatalities (28). However, only 9% of deadly accidents happen out there. Then again, around 84,000 motorcyclists sustained injuries in 2019, representing a 2% rise from the previous year. In most cases, the wind caused impaired vision and delayed hazard detection. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, these are some stats of motorcycle vs. car accidents: The chart below shows how motorcycles compare to trucks and cars regarding the rate of involvement in fatal crashes. However, the state-mandated coverage hardly proves sufficient in case of an accident. Primarily, statistics on bike gear and crashes have a significant impact on how weary some riders are. The following facts are based on analysis of data from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). In 98% of crashes, the weather didnt have any contribution to the accident. Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Commission. One of the difficulties with motorcycles is achieving optimum braking between front and rear wheels during a panic stop without losing control of the vehicle. There are, however, reliable statistics available to give insight into how motorcyclists compare with other motorists. All rights reserved. Bikers have only two seconds to react to the chance of a crash. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511. 2/3 single-vehicle accidents are due to rider errors such as under-cornering, excess speed, and over-braking. Only about 2% of accidents can be attributed to roads or visibility affected by rain. Of the more than 8 million motorcycles, 950,780 are registered right here, in California. The NSC shows that 3,061 or 61.38% of deadly motorcycle crashes happened in urban areas. Almost half of those deaths happened on weekends. For the best experience and to ensure full functionality of this site, please enable JavaScript in your browser. Accident statistics offer an insight into the common causes of accidents and things you can do, such as wearing a motorcycle helmet to reduce the risk of a crash and minimize the severity of the injuries in case of one. In short, speed thrills but kills. By 2014 a rear-ending occurred every 17 seconds on the US road system, and improvements to cars especially in regards to headrests have reduced whiplash and other neck and back injuries related to this. Thats hardly enough time when you are sober, let alone inebriated. ), 93% of the crashes in 2012 involved a two-wheeled motorcycle. So, while some statistics might not seem important, others can be quite helpful. Almost half of all fatal accidents showed alcohol present. In addition, there were only three fatalities in the District of Columbia. The vast majority, 88.93%, took place during clear or cloudy weather. As you can see from the accompanying chart from the National Safety Council, the number of registered motorcycles in the United States and the miles traveled remained relatively stable over the past nine years. The rate of severe motorcycle accidents today is significantly higher than car accidents, despite cars dominating the road. The Safety Programs and Crash Data unit provides fatal data and statistics used to develop performance targets, performance tracking, and trends that are used to help reduce the fatalities on Colorado roadways. Passenger vehicle occupant deaths and motorcyclist deaths, 1975-2020. United States motorcycle fatalities increased every year for 11 years after reaching a historic low of 2,116 fatalities in 1997, then increased to over 5,000 around 2008 and then plateaued in the 4 to 5 thousands range in the 2010s. Therefore, making yourself a better rider will make you a safer one as well. Bike & Parts Manufacturing in the US Market Size Growth in 2021 1.3% Motorcycle, Bike & Parts Manufacturing in the US Annualized Market Size . It stands for: Most of these multiple vehicle accidents involve passenger vehicles, such as cars. Other vehicles violating motorcycles right-of-way is what causes 2/3 of multiple-vehicle accidents. Upper extremity injuries occurred in 40% of collisions. This also goes for custom-builds that do not have a VIN. Some of the primary motorcycle accident causes are reckless driving, alcohol use, and speeding. Running into objects causes nearly a quarter of motorcyclist fatalities, compared to 18% of car crash deaths. Source: FARS, ARS, "Unknown" removed for percentage computation. Generally speaking, helmets are 41% effective in preventing deaths to motorcycle passengers and 37% to motorcycle riders. Do not ride a bike unless you took the time to go through a course and get a license. Because serious head injury is common among fatally injured motorcyclists, helmet use is important. Cities have busy roadways with lots of traffic including standard road traffic and commercial delivery trucks. According to the NHTSA, most of these weekend motorcycle accidents (601) happened between 6 PM and 9 PM. What Type of Motorcycle Accident Causes the Most Deaths per Year? Also, as much as 57% of all female riders will choose a new bike over a used one. [14] A decline in recreational motorcycling due to the late-2000s recession might account for the decrease in accidents, according to the authors of a report by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), but a state motorcyclists' rights organization, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation, said motorcycle use appeared to have increased, influenced by motorcycles' better fuel economy. Road to bike interactions, such as large pothole triggers a loss of vehicle control, Hits oncoming vehicles during a passing maneuver on a bi-directional road, This page was last edited on 24 February 2023, at 03:37. *Any testimonials or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter. In 2020, 285 motorcyclists were killed in Great Britain, whilst 4,429 were reported to be seriously injured (adjusted) and 8,890 slightly injured (adjusted). 34% of women like cruisers the best while 33% of them like scooters, and 10% of them like sportbikes. You should always go for DOT-certified helmets. In 2019, there were 3,948 motorcycle crashes statewide and a total of 4,269 motorcyclists involved in crashes. Chest injuries occurred in 31% of collisions. DOT HS-5-01160", "Man, 22, paralysed and castrated in beach bike crash", "Blunt abdominal trauma associated with testicular dislocation and contralateral inguinal hernia", "Testicular Injuries: Causes and Treatments", "Highlights of 2009 Motor Vehicle crashes; DOT HS 811 363", "Motorcycle deaths drop, but trend is worrisome", "New Study: Motorcyclist Deaths Spike in 2012", "Importance of Knowing Yearly Motorcycle Death Statistics", "Motorcycle Crashes Leading Cause of Death Among U.S. Service Members", "Motor vehicle crashes: A little-known risk to returning veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan", "Fatal Vehicle Accidents Decline in Military; Motorcycles Remain Dangerous: U.S. Medicine", "Medication mishap leaves surgery patient a quadriplegic at age 20", "Pedestrian & Bicycle Information Center", "ATV injuries, deaths down, but concerns still high", Learn how and when to remove this template message, Costs of Injuries Resulting from Motorcycle Crashes: A Literature Review, What body parts will you most likely injure in a motorcycle crash - December 24, 2013, Motorcyclist Traffic Fatalities by State, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Motorcycle_fatality_rate_in_U.S._by_year&oldid=1141252283. Causes of Motorcycle Accidents Statistics, The Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcyclist Injuries and Injury Rates by Year, Factors That Have The Most Impact On Motorcycle Accidents, Motorcycle Helmet Use by State Law and Helmet Type, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Fatalities in motor vehicle crashes in the United States by person type from 1988 to 2019, motorcycle accidents in the U.S. claimed the lives of 5,014 riders and injured another 84,000. Of the 56% of fatal collisions with other vehicles, 78% percent were head-on collisions and 5% were a fatal rear-ending of the motorcycle by another vehicle type. Negligence, not bad weather, causes the bulk of bike accidents. In 2019, 4,444 motorcyclists who died in night traffic accidents were almost three times more likely to consume alcohol than motorcyclists who died during the day. In 2020, California reported the highest number of personal and commercial motorcycles registered in the country. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.and about 67 percent effective in preventing brain injuries. Here are some statistics to back that up: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) claims that motorcycles are more likely to be involved in crashes than cars. Motorcycle Accident experts consider common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents to be speeding, riding while drunk, lane splitting, sudden lane changes, and overall reckless motorcyclist driving. Fog, which you might have imagined obscuring visibility and increasing the risk of crashing, was a factor in less than 1% of fatal accidents. Riding a motorcycle is dangerous when sober, and the chances of a fatal crash only increase when drivers are over the legal limit for alcohol.