Unfortunately, drunk driving continues to have a significant and devastating impact on drivers traveling along Florida’s roads. Many drivers have chosen to get behind the wheel of a vehicle after too many drinks, which has resulted in numerous accidents and tragic deaths that could be entirely preventable. To underscore the severity of this issue, we’d like to provide some Florida drunk driving statistics to further drive home the severe consequences of these accidents, as well as how commonly they occur across the state.
If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident, be sure to call our drunk driving accident lawyers for a free consultation.
2023 Florida Drunk Driving Statistics You Need To Know About
It is important to be aware of Florida’s drunk driving statistics to understand the magnitude of the problem and its impact on public safety, as well as people’s lives. Drunk driving doesn’t just affect injured victims, it also affects their families, friends, and their ability to live a normal happy life. These statistics provide insights into the number of lives lost, injuries sustained, and legal repercussions faced due to impaired driving, which further emphasizes the need for proactive measures such as education, enforcement, and community awareness campaigns to reduce drunk driving accidents and promote responsible driving behavior. You can view our updated study on the highest DUI rates by Florida county.
In 2023, Florida witnessed significant consequences related to drunk driving, as reported by the Florida Traffic Safety Dashboard. These statistics fall under the impaired driving category, including those being impaired by alcohol. These statistics state that:
- 822 drunk driving fatalities occurred statewide.
- 1,252 serious injuries were reported due to drunk driving related accidents. According to Florida law, a serious injury is considered to be:
- Severe disfigurement
- Loss of limb or dismemberment
- Bone fracture
- Miscarriage or loss of a fetus
- Permanent inability to use a bodily organ, limb, function, or system
- Long-lasting impairment of a bodily organ or limb
- Significant restriction in bodily function or system use
- Temporary injury preventing normal daily activities for at least 90 days within 180 days post-accident
According to the Annual Uniform Traffic Citation Report from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles:
- There were a total of 44,185 DUI violations/arrests recorded across the state in 2023.
- Of those violations, 20,608 resulted in DUI convictions, while 4,581 cases saw DUI charges that were reduced to lesser offenses.
These statistics highlight the alarming impact of drunk driving in Florida, which proves the urgent need for continued efforts in education, enforcement, and prevention to mitigate further tragedies on our roads.
Florida Drunk Driving Statistics Compared To Other States
According to the NHTSA, alcohol-impaired driving traffic fatalities in Florida were similar to other states, and consequently some of the highest in the US. In 2022, the highest number of drunk driving fatalities were in Texas with an astounding 1,869 drunk driving deaths, followed by California with 1,479 drunk driving deaths, and Florida came in third with 940 drunk driving deaths. The lowest number recorded was in the District of Columbia, with 12 drunk driving deaths in 2022.
While Florida ranked in the top three for the number of alcohol-related driving deaths, the percentage of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities compared to total traffic fatalities was lower than the national average. In Florida, 27% of traffic fatalities were caused by drunk driving, compared to the national average of 32%. South Carolina had the highest percentage at 43%, with Texas close behind at 42%, meaning that while there were a high number of fatalities in Florida related to drunk driving, 73% of traffic fatalities in Florida were caused by various other factors.
These comparisons highlight Florida’s critical position in terms of sheer numbers, while also highlighting a slightly better relative performance in terms of the proportion of alcohol-related fatalities. However, the only way to completely prevent drunk driving fatalities is for every driver to make the right choice and refrain from driving while under the influence of alcohol.
Consequences of Drunk Driving In Florida
Drunk driving in Florida has severe and far-reaching consequences that extend beyond just the victims. They often result in both tragic deaths and debilitating injuries. In 2023, the state reported 822 fatalities due to impaired driving, highlighting the grave danger that drunk drivers put everyone else on the road around them. These deaths represent not only the loss of individual lives, but also the profound grief and suffering experienced by families, friends, and local communities. The ripple effect of each drunk driving fatality extends beyond the immediate loss, impacting loved ones for the rest of their lives and straining emergency and healthcare services.
In addition to the fatalities, drunk driving in Florida also led to 1,252 individuals sustaining serious injuries in 2023. These injuries often include life-altering conditions such as significant disfigurement, permanent disabilities, and chronic pain, which can affect victims for the rest of their lives, prevent them from returning to their daily activities, and reduce their quality of life. These injuries can also affect families and their dynamics as they may be required to take care of their injured family members, which can include lifelong care commitments. Victims and their families may face long-term medical treatment, rehabilitation, and financial burdens due to lost income and medical bills. Not to mention, the physical and emotional scars left by these accidents can last a lifetime, highlighting the need for ongoing education, strict enforcement of DUI laws, and community efforts to prevent drunk driving.
How much compensation you get if you are a drunk driving accident victim in Florida varies based on the unique circumstances of each situation and the severity of your injuries. Based on our own settlement data, the average drunk driving settlement in Florida is anywhere from $200,000 to $250,000.
Injured By A Drunk Driver? Contact A Florida Car Accident Lawyer Near You
If you or a loved one was injured in a drunk driving accident, be sure to call our Florida drunk driving accident attorneys for a free consultation.
If you or a loved one has been injured, or a family member wrongfully killed by a drunk driver in Florida, it is important to take action not only to hold them accountable but to pursue financial compensation for your injuries including any pain and suffering they’ve inflicted. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we stand firmly against this type of reckless behavior and are committed to holding drunk drivers accountable for their disregard for the law and the devastation they may cause to individuals on Florida’s roadways. Our dedicated team is always here to support you through this difficult time. Contact a Florida car accident lawyer at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk today at 1-888-817-5903 for a free initial case consultation. We are determined to diligently seek justice for you and ensure that drunk drivers who are responsible for these preventable tragedies are held accountable.