What percentage of economic costs do alcohol-related crashes account for?

Alcohol-related crashes account for a significant portion of the economic costs associated with traffic accidents, with this figure often cited around 22%. This percentage reflects the wide-ranging impacts that these crashes have on society, including medical expenses, legal costs, lost productivity, and damages to property. The high economic burden is a crucial consideration for public safety initiatives aimed at reducing drunk driving. Understanding this statistic emphasizes the importance of responsible drinking and the need for effective prevention strategies to decrease the frequency and severity of such incidents.