Our Denver car accident attorney discusses a recent study that found that Colorado ranks third for the most DUI arrests in the U.S. Contact us if you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver.

Our Denver car accident attorney discusses a recent study that found that Colorado ranks third for the most DUI arrests in the U.S. Contact us if you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver.

Researchers at Project Know have recently published a study ranking every state in the U.S. according to the number of DUI arrests made in that state in 2013 (the most recent year for which data is available).

Based on data from the FBI, the findings were that Colorado ranked third for making the most drunk driving arrests in the nation in 2013, putting it just behind North Dakota and South Dakota, which respectively ranked first and second.

Although Project Know conducted this study to try to better allocate its addiction/alcoholism treatment resources, its findings may have some broader impacts, particularly when it comes to future DUI prevention and enforcement efforts.

More on the Findings…

According to researchers, in 2013, there 63 DUI arrests made in Colorado for every 10,000 licensed drivers in the state. While these numbers do shed some light on the extent of impaired driving and enforcement efforts in the state, critics of this study have been quick to point out that the study:

  • Did not include data associated with fatal DUI accidents for which no arrests were made (because, for instance, the impaired driver was among those killed in the accident)
  • Did not differentiate between drunk versus drugged drivers, which is an increasingly important distinction in the state given the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Study’s Limitations Don’t Take Away from Ongoing Need for DUI Enforcement

Although there were some clear limitations to this study, the bottom line is that DUI enforcement efforts are important and that some states may need to step up their efforts to better protect law-abiding motorists on the road.

In fact, as officials at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have pointed out:

  • If no one with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater drove, at least 7,000 lives could be saved in the U.S. each year.
  • The perception, judgement and other impairments caused by alcohol can start affecting drivers with BACs as low as 0.02.

What are your thoughts about the findings of this study? Are you surprised to learn that Colorado is a leader in DUI arrests in the nation? Share your comments and opinions with us on Facebook & Google+.

Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at Cederberg Law

If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver – or in any type of car accident, contact a Denver car accident attorney at the Cederberg Law to find out more about your best options for financial recovery.

At Cederberg Law, you will not be handed off to a paralegal or assistant. You will receive personal attention and professional service from an experienced lawyer who cares about you and who is dedicated to providing you with superior legal services at every stage of your case.

To meet with us at no cost or obligation to you, call us at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the side of the screen. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyers make hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.