<P> This statistic includes any and all vehicular (including bicycle and motorcycle) accidents in which any alcohol has been consumed, or believed to have been consumed, by the driver, a passenger or a pedestrian associated with the accident . Thus, if a person who has consumed alcohol and has stopped for a red light is rear - ended by a completely sober but inattentive driver, the accident is listed as alcohol - related, although alcohol had nothing to do with causing the accident . Furthermore, if a sober motorist hits a drunk pedestrian, the accident is also listed as alcohol - related . Alcohol - related accidents are often mistakenly confused with alcohol - caused accidents . Some have criticized the NHTSA for compiling this statistic since it may give the impression that drunk drivers cause a much higher percentage of accidents and does not accurately reflect the problem of drunk driving in the United States . </P> <P> Nationally, 31% of all drivers involved in fatal accidents during 2013 are known to have been intoxicated according to the blood alcohol concentration (BAC laws) of their state . This number is based on a systematic examination of the official records of each and every accident involving a fatality during that year in the US . However, a majority of fatalities resulting from car accidents involving alcohol are from sober drivers who are hit by drunk drivers . </P> <P> The higher number (about 40%) commonly reported refers to accidents defined as alcohol - related as estimated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . </P> <P> Each year, The Century Council, a national non-profit organization funded by a group of alcohol manufacturers, compiles a document of alcohol - related traffic fatalities . Between 1991 and 2013, the rate of alcohol - related traffic fatalities (ARTF) per 100,000 population has decreased 52% nationally, and 79% among youth under 21 . </P>

In 2014 31 of traffic fatalities and about 8.5 of traffic crashes in the u.s. were alcohol related