Many people wonder if it is the case that more used cars are in DUI accidents than new cars. There is no real logic other than the fact that some assume those that are irresponsible enough to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while drunk are not responsible enough to buy a new car and make monthly payments. In 2018 and heading into 2019, there is no specific data suggesting that a used car is more likely to be in a DUI accident than a new car.
Some interesting DUI facts are as follows:
- About one in three people will be involved in a drunk driving crash during their lifetimes.
- Every day, 28 people die as a result of drunk driving crashes on average.
- In 2010, 10,228 people died in drunk driving crashes – one every 52 minutes – and 345,000 were injured.
- In 2010, people killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes accounted for nearly one-third (31%) of all traffic-related deaths.
- An average, a convicted drunk driver has driven drunk 80 times before his or her first arrest.
So, just because someone is driving a 2019 Nissan Altima, that does not make them less likely to be in an accident as someone driving a 2008 Nissan Altima. Do not assume that just because someone is getting behind the wheel of a very nice or brand new car that they are more responsible when it comes to drunk driving and DUIs.
Have you noticed that more people in your home town are driving new or used cars when they are pulled over for a DUI. If you had to guess, do you think it is more likely to get pulled over in a new or used car?
It is interesting to hear from those in different parts of the country. Some of those living in small towns find that police officers are on the look for new cars that are exceeding the speed limit. In places like college towns or suburbs, it may be the case that police officers are paying close attention to those that drive used cars or vehicles that would not be considered high quality. Let us know what is going on in your town.