Alcohol-related deaths on the rise in Brownsville - new study shows more young women are driving drunk

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New statistics show that more young people are driving drunk. And, unexpectedly, the rates of young women involved in alcohol-related car crashes are increasing. In fact, increases in alcohol-related deaths among young woman drivers are out pacing the decade-long rise in alcohol-related crash deaths among young men drivers.

Historically, young men have been over-represented among alcohol-related car wrecks, but the new statistics show that young women are catching up.

Researchers at the University of Virginia found that between 1995 and 2007, the number of women age 16-21 that were involved in fatal, alcohol-related crashes rose by 3.1 percent. For the same period, the number of men age 16-21 that were involved in fatal, alcohol-related crashes rose by only 1.2 percent.

The percentage of young women in fatal crashes with blood alcohol concentrations of 0.01 g/dL or higher increased by 3.5 percent on weekdays and by 2.2% on weekends.

Among young men in fatal crashes, blood alcohol concentrations of 0.01 g/dL or higher increased by 1.5 percent on weekdays and by 0.4% on weekends.

The largest increase in alcohol-related fatal crashes was in young drivers with blood alcohol concentrations of over 0.08 g/dL. For young women with high blood alcohol levels, fatal crashes increased by two percent. For young men, the increase was 2.4%.

The study found the greatest increase in drunk-driving crashes was among young women drivers ages 19 to 24.

According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data, 23 percent of alcohol-related fatal crashes in 2007 involved drivers ages 16-24. Seat belts were used in only 34% of crashes – a decline of 6% since 2008.

The researchers suggest that gender equalization among teenagers may lead young women to take on more risky behavior. Substance abuse, particularly of alcohol and prescription drugs is increasing among young women.

In 2008, there were 1,463 alcohol-related fatalities in Texas. Texas leads the nation with the most alcohol-related motor vehicle crash fatalities and with the highest number of fatalities of drivers with blood alcohol concentrations over the 0.08 g/dL limit. About 43% of Texas crashes involve alcohol use, and the group most likely to be involved in alcohol-related wrecks is young people age 21-24.

If you are a victim of an alcohol-related accident or have you lost a loved one to a DWI crash in the San Antonio or Brownsville area, you have more on your mind than dealing with the insurance companies. Unfortunately, the insurance companies are happy to take advantage of you in your time of need.

Before signing or agreeing to anything, contact the car crash lawyers at the Cowen Law Group for a free initial consultation. We’ll look over the settlement offer and let you know if it is fair. If not, our attorneys can deal with the insurance companies on your behalf and get you fair compensation for medical and burial costs, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, lost income and other expenses. Call 1-877-385-1282 to learn more.

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Brownsville Office
62 E. Price Road
Brownsville, Texas 78521
Phone: 956-541-4981
Toll Free: 877-385-1282

Laredo Office
6909 Springfield Ave., Suite 106
Laredo, Texas 78041
Toll Free: (877) 385-1282

Rio Grande City Office
611 Main
Rio Grande City, Texas 78582
Phone: 956-487-0105
Toll Free: 877-385-1282

"Principal office in Brownsville, Texas. Meetings with lawyers at the McAllen and Rio Grande City offices are by appointment only."

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