Drunk Driving Crashes have Dropped Across Maryland

A new study was recently released by the University of Maryland, which shows that alcohol-related crashes involving injury or death have decreased by 6% each year since 2011. What's the cause of this consistent drop?

The study linked this drop in alcohol-related crashes to Maryland's increase in the alcohol sales tax, which rose in 2011. The decline in the number of crashes was even higher for younger drivers--12% decline each year. Researches knew that the number of crashes involving fatalities and injuries that were linked to alcohol would decrease over time with improved safety measures in vehicles. However, researchers did not expect such a significant decrease as was observed.

Legislators passed the increase in taxes as a way to curb underage drinking and drunk driving. Even with this study's results, legislators do not say they will seek another increase in taxes anytime soon.

Maryland lawmakers continue to propose new laws in order to cut down on the number of drunk drivers on the roadways, including just recently, the ignition interlock requirement and more severe penalties for those caught drinking and driving. Drunk driving continues to be a major problem, and will certainly remain a high priority for lawmakers and police across the state.

If you've been charged with DUI in Maryland, call the attorneys at Portner & Shure today for a free consultation: (301) 854-9000, (410) 995-1515.