Rate Of Fatal DUI Car Accidents Down In Maryland

A new study shows that the rate of fatal drunk driving accidents and drunk driving deaths is down significantly in the state of Maryland. The state saw 178 drunk driving deaths in 2007 and just 152 in 2008, a decrease of 12.5 percent.

Maryland State Police say that the decrease in DUI car accidents is the result of drunk driving awareness programs, tougher police patrols, and alcohol abuse treatment centers. They also said that 24,000 arrests are made each year in MD for drunk driving and driving under the influence.

Some worry, however, that the numbers in 2009 will not continue the pattern of decline as initial reports show higher number of DUI deaths this year.

This coming week, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) will hold their annual memorial to those who lost their lives to drunk drivers in Maryland in the last year.