According to a recent government report, traffic fatalities related to driving under the influence overall saw a decrease of four percent across the U.S. However, among motorcycle drivers, drunken driving fatalities saw an increase of 7.5 percent.
According to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, in addition to the nationwide decrease of DUI-related fatalities, 32 states saw decreases. However, among half of the states in the U.S., DUI-related fatalities among motorcyclists saw an increase. Peters said she was disappointed by the increased number among motorcycle riders.
Virginia was the worst state for motorcycle fatalities involving drunk drivers. From 2006 to 2007, the number of deaths more than tripled, increasing from 12 to 37.
Other states that saw increases included Alabama, Alaska, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
