New Mexico Sees a Drop in Fatal DWI Accident Statistics

New Mexico, which long held the reputation of having one of the worst DWI rates in the country, has emerged from the top 10 in three national rankings of DWI fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the state has dropped to the number 11 spot for the number of DWI fatalities per 100,000 population. This figure represents a 12% reduction in DWI fatalities.  The previous two years, New Mexico ranked 9th.

The NHTSA study included any crash that involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.  New Mexico also ranked out of the top 10 in all other NHTSA categories, and dropped from 9th to 18th in the rate of alcohol-involved fatalities based on 100 million motor vehicle miles traveled. 

New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson credits the improved statistics with the comprehensive and aggressive DWI initiatives that have been taken, such as increasing the amount of law enforcement officials in the counties with the highest DWI fatality rates, creating a highly visible anti-drunk driving campaign, making ignition interlock devices mandatory for first-time offenders, and increasing sanctions for bars and restaurants that habitually serve intoxicated or underage patrons.

Rachel O'Connor, New Mexico's DWI Czar, said the drop in rankings is good news for the state, and that New Mexico plans to continue moving forward in its efforts to reduce the amount of drunk driving on its streets.

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