2007 Drunk Driving Statistics

drunk driving statistics for 2007

2007 Drunk Driving Statistics - More than 81 drivers were held by the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office for DUI in the second quarter of 2007, including a staggering month of June which saw 45 arrests - more than in any other month since the WCSO began keeping DUI statistical data in 2004.

That problem is showing indications of slowing, though, as WCSO statistical data for the second quarter of this year show 53 arrests and a seriously lower June arrest total of 21. April and May each saw sixteen DUI arrests, with May holding steady from 2007’s numbers and April dipping from twenty arrests.

“From a community safety viewpoint, yes, we are excited to see the numbers are down,” WCSO Sgt. Bill Devine related. “But the reasons why they’re down are down aren’t easy to explain. I’d love to say less people are driving drunk, but it could be we’re receiving other service calls during that time. I do not sure you can put an answer to it.”

Arrest totals also dropped from the current year, when WCSO assistants grabbed 56 pissed drivers. It marks the 1st drop since 2004 in between first and second quarter numbers.

And, while the issue shrank, North Shore residents are still making up most of those arrested. According to WCSO stats, about 60% of those arrested in 2007 - the highest arrest year on record - came from the North Shore. Over the present year Devine announced twenty-eight of the 53 people arrested were North Shore residents, just more than 52 percent.

Devine announced assistants with the WCSO are aware most of those arrested are North Shore residents but don’t actively hunt down locals.

“I think our blokes have a feel for the fact almost all of those arrested are from around here, but it is not like we are particularly targeting on them,” Devine on them,” Devine declared. “Our blokes are good about responding to anything, and drunk drivers generally will draw attention to themselves.”.

Those arrests are making their way to the Incline Hamlet Justice Court and Judge Alan Tiras said it is clear from his seat almost all of those arrested are North Shore residents. Besides the local numbers, other trends held from previous DUI quarterly statistics. Men between 20-29 still made up a majority of any age/gender group arrested, accounting for 16 arrests over the quarter - about 30 percent.

Men overall were held more often for drunken driving than girls, accounting for 41 of the 53 arrests, about 77 percent. Devine claimed those numbers reflect national averages pretty well, with men more likely to drink and drive than women.

He estimated about 80 % of the arrests were drivers using alcohol only, while the rest were made for poly-use drivers: Drivers under the influence of a mix of drugs and alcohol. Those motorists are charged with DUI-prohibited substance, and punishments for that charge are identical to alcohol-related DUIs, Tiras said.

While Devine declared the WCSO is glad to see the numbers dropped, he cautioned the third quarter of 2008 will be a good indicator to work out if the statistical data will hold.