Many teens in Minnesota drink alcohol, not only hurting themselves but also putting others in danger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 5.5% of teens report driving after consuming alcohol in any amount. Drunk driving is one of the most prominent factors in car crashes, and drunk driving deaths compose one third of all driving fatalities.
The number of teen drunk drivers differs from state to state, and researchers at CheapCarInsuranceQuotes.com have been able to determine which states fare the worst. In its ranking of 15 states, Arkansas and Louisiana came first with 10.6% and 10% of high school students in those states reportedly driving after drinking. The 15th state was Idaho with 6% of students drinking and driving.
It appeared that the higher this percentage was, the more drunk driving fatalities there were in that state overall. Arkansas and Louisiana had a DUI-related fatality rate of 4.8 and 4.7 per 100,000 people, respectively. The national average is 3.4 per 100,000 people.
Additionally, 26.3% and 28.2% of teens in Arkansas and Louisiana reportedly rode with a drunk driver. As for alcohol consumption without any reference to driving, 25.7% of teens in Louisiana and 34% of teens reportedly engaged in it. Of all 50 states, Utah saw the lowest statistics.
Drunk driving crashes can happen anywhere, and when they give rise to physical injuries, they can form the basis for a case under personal injury law. Victims may consult with a lawyer about the filing process. In Minnesota, plaintiffs are eligible to recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault for the crash. The lawyer might assist by hiring investigators to gather evidence of alcohol intoxication and by handling all settlement negotiations. As a last resort, the lawyer may litigate.
