Signs of Progress

Much progress has been made over the last two decades to reduce problems associated with alcohol abuse. In Iowa alcohol-related traffic injuries totaled 1,845 in 2006, over a 50% decline since 1990. Nationally, the number of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes has declined 36 percent since 1982, going from 21,113 in 1982 to 13,470 in 2006. 

Beer distributors are committed to the fight against illegal underage drinking, and sponsor numerous preventions programs. They distribute pamphlets and videos to help parents talk to their children about underage drinking, provide resources for law enforcement and they sponsor motivational speakers in their local schools. The beer industry spends hundreds of millions of dollars every year to eliminate illegal underage purchase and consumption of alcohol. 

Thanks to the work of teachers, parents, community leaders, beer distributors and others progress has been made. To view recent statistics regarding illegal underage drinking and drunk driving read Signs of Progress 2005 or visit http://alcoholstats.com. 

Iowa’s Progress 

• Traffic deaths in Iowa set a 61-year low in 2006. 

• For the year 2006, Iowa’s alcohol-related fatality percentage is the sixth lowest in the nation, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration. 

• The number of Iowa alcohol-related traffic fatalities in 2002 through 2006 represents the lowest five years on record. 

• Iowa alcohol-related traffic injuries totaled 1,845 in 2006, over a 50% decline since 1990. 

• Over the past 10 years Iowa’s fatality rate has dropped from 2.15 to 1.38 per 100 million VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled), a decline of more than 30%. 

Source: Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau Fact Sheets-2007 

The Nation’s Progress 

• The number of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes has declined 36 percent since 1982, going from 21,113 in 1982 to 13,470 in 2006. There were 7,600 fewer drunk-driving fatalities in 2006 than in 1982. 

• While the total number of drunk-driving fatalities has declined 36 percent since 1982, the vehicle miles traveled has increased 88 percent, the number of registered motor vehicles has increased 67 percent, the number of licensed drivers has increased 34 percent, and the total U.S. population has increased 29 percent since 1982 

Teen Drunk-Driving Fatalities 1982-2006 

• The number of fatalities in teenage drunk-driving crashes has declined 10 percent since 2000 and is down 63 percent since tracking began in 1982, going from 4,214 in 1982 to 1,720 in 2000 and 1,552 in 2006. 

• Passengers and other killed in young-driver (16-20) crashes have declined. 

• Fatalities among 16- to 20-year old passengers of young drivers declined four years in a row. 

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 

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