Between 1991 and 2006, the rate of alcohol-related traffic fatalities (ARTF) per 100,000 population has decreased 26% nationally, and 28% among youth under 21. This statistic and others are positive indicators of the gains being made to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, drunk driving, and while The Century Council cannot claim to be the sole influence in these reductions, it is likely we have played a significant role.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 42,642 people died in traffic crashes in 2006 in the United States (latest figures available), including an estimated 13,470 people who were killed in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater).

As a leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving, more than a decade ago, we took a leadership role in identifying the hardcore drunk driving problem and have highlighted research, strategies, and programs for the swift identification, certain punishment, and effective treatment of these deadly offenders. Through our National Hardcore Drunk Driving Project, we track data and statistics from a variety of sources, highlight successful strategies, tactics and programs that can be implemented by judges across the nation and undertake our own research in an effort to advance a policy agenda designed to eliminate hardcore drunk driving.