Driving under the influence isn’t a good idea on any stretch of road, but if you’re heading off to drive the I-90 in Montana after a few shots, better make sure your will is up to date.
The map was assembled by Avvo, using data from the NHTSA’s Fatal Accident Reporting System — specifically, road deaths involving alcohol, from 2004-2013. The statistics point the finger firmly at rural highways, which account for 54 percent of drink-driving fatalities, despite having less-trafficked roads.
It’s difficult to work out exactly why that’s the case, but it’s probably something to do with the lack of public transport, worse lighting, and higher speed limits on rural roads. The full study has a more detailed examination of the causes, although the conclusion probably won’t surprise you: drinking and driving is dumb, no matter what road you’re on.
[Avvo]
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