Michigan is known for its relatively lenient stance on DUI violations, ranking ninth in forgiveness, according to a 2017 WalletHub study. However, despite this leniency, some residents grapple with the lifelong burden of causing fatal accidents while driving under the influence. Nationally, three counties in Michigan stand out for their high rates of fatal crashes involving drunk, drugged, or medicated drivers.
Michigan’s DUI laws, while considered lenient, are also complex, often leading to offenders escaping full penalties through plea deals. Despite the understanding that mistakes happen, the loss of life due to such errors necessitates accountability.
Before identifying the three Michigan counties with the highest fatal DUI rates in the United States, it’s essential to understand Michigan’s DUI laws:
- Driving under the influence encompasses being under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or any combination thereof.
- Adults aged 21 and over with a blood alcohol level (BAC) exceeding 0.08% and individuals under 21 with a BAC over 0.02% can be charged with DUI.
- Penalties and fines escalate with BAC levels exceeding 0.17%.
Now, let’s delve into the study conducted by the Scott Vicknair Law Firm to identify Michigan’s deadliest counties for DUI crashes.
Using data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) spanning from 2017 to 2021, the Scott Vicknair Law Firm examined fatal crash incidents involving drivers under the influence of substances across all 50 states. Here are the findings:
- Humboldt County, California
- Number of drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence: 57
- Total number of drivers involved in fatal crashes: 141
- Percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence: 40.43%
- Lake County, Montana
- Number of drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence: 24
- Total number of drivers involved in fatal crashes: 63
- Percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence: 38.10%
- Big Horn County, Montana
- Number of drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence: 25
- Total number of drivers involved in fatal crashes: 66
- Percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence: 37.88%
The study’s methodology involved analyzing NHTSA data on drivers involved in fatal crashes under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication from 2017 to 2021. The rankings were determined by calculating the percentage of such drivers out of the total number of drivers involved in fatal crashes in each county. Counties with fewer than 50 total fatal crashes during the specified period were excluded for a fairer comparison.