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Throughout the United States, more than 10,000 people die in alcohol-related collisions annually. Additionally, one-third of fatal collisions involve an impaired driver. In conjunction with the loss of life, the financial costs associated with alcohol-related collisions exceed $100 billion a year.
Because of the damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), it’s logical for states to enhance their mitigation strategies. In 2018, Utha lowered the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for driving from (.08) to (.05). In 2019, the year immediately following this change, Utha experienced nearly a 20% decrease in fatal collisions.
Utha’s initial decline in fatal collisions seems worthy of celebration. However, an objective analysis must examine additional years to determine whether the reduction in 2019 is an outlier. Surprisingly, after the initial decrease in fatalities in 2019, data indicates that fatal collisions in Utha increased in 2020 and 2021, respectively. Based on the outcomes in Utha, lowering the legal BAC in Connecticut may not yield a significant reduction in traffic fatalities.
Additionally, we cannot discount the potential impact caused by the legalization of marijuana. It is worth noting that after Colorado legalized marijuana, their overall traffic fatalities increased by 29%, and deaths in which the drivers tested positive for marijuana also increased.
Based on the above reasons, Connecticut must do more than lower the state’s BAC level to improve roadway safety.
Dr. James T. Scott
New Haven, CT
Scott is a retired State Police sergeant and assistant professor at Albertus Magnus College