Alcohol involvement — for the driver and/or the pedestrian — was reported in 48 percent of the traffic crashes that resulted in pedestrian fatalities in 2018. About one-third (33%) of pedestrians killed in crashes were over the legal alcohol limit for drivers (a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher). An estimated 16 percent of fatal pedestrian crashes involved a driver with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher.
Being drunk affects judgment, balance, and reaction time. It often results in bad decision-making, which can lead to unpredictably risky behaviors. This combined with the change from Daylight Saving Time each fall when we lose one hour of light in the evening makes it harder for motorists to see pedestrians, which increases an impaired pedestrian’s risk.
Visit www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/pedestrian-safety to learn more tips and to get information about pedestrian safety.
Visit www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/drunk-driving to learn more about the risks associated with drunk walking and driving.
