When it comes to DUI statistics, overall, things are encouraging. Since 1982, DUI fatalities on roadways have decreased 48%. Among drivers under the age of 21, DUI fatalities have fallen 80%. Fatal accidents that involved alcohol accounted for 29% of total vehicle traffic fatalities in 2017. Among those fatal crashes, 68% involved a driver with a blood-alcohol content of .15% or higher. Drunk driving fatalities involving drivers under the age of 21 accounted for 10% of all drunk driving fatalities in 2017. Nationally, the drunk driving fatality rate per 100,000 population was 3.4. 26 states and Washington D.C. had a rate at or below the national level.
CBS Local Los Angeles reports that speeding was a factor in a DUI crash that claimed the life of a passenger. Speeding is believed to have been a factor in a fatal crash that occurred Saturday on the 5 Freeway in Santa Clarita.
The driver, who was not identified, lost control of a maroon Toyota Camry, then slid over an embankment. The car flipped several times before coming to a rest.
22-year-old Tommy Cruz of Van Nuys was declared dead at the scene. The driver suffered from moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital. He was also placed under arrest.
According to police, the driver was speeding in excess of 100 m.p.h. He passed vehicles in the center divider prior to the crash.
