Updated at 4:15 p.m., Thursday, November 30, 2006
Hawai'i is deadliest state for alcohol-related crashes
Advertiser Staff
Hawai'i tops a list of the 15 deadliest states in the country for impaired driving, according to a new study from a physician-led safety advocacy group.Hawai'i also among 10 states that have been on the list for three straight years, according to the Coalition to End Needless Death on Our Roadways.
The group compiles the list every year of states with the most alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
Using statistics from 2005 compiled from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, the group reported that 50.7 percent of all Hawai'i traffic fatalities were alcohol-related. Only Washington, D.C., which reported 54.1 percent of its fatalities related to alcohol, had a higher percentage.
"Many of these fatalities and serious injuries could have been prevented," said Dr. Andrea Barthwell, END's co-chairwoman.
Barthwell said the group is particularly disappointed in states such as Hawai'i that have been on the list for the last three years.
"We urge leaders in these states and around the country to dedicate themselves to exploring new and innovative strategies for addressing impaired and other dangerous driving behaviors," she said.
Top 10 list
Percentage of alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2005:
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System
