The Cost
Alcohol is a factor in 23% of Kansas’ crash costs.
Alcohol-related crashes in Kansas cost the public an estimated $0.9 billion in 2000, including $0.4 billion in monetary costs and almost $0.5 billion in quality of life losses. (For definitions of the cost categories, see the definitions fact sheet.) Alcohol-related crashes are deadlier and more serious than other crashes. People other than the drinking driver paid $0.6 billion of the alcohol-related crash bill.
Costs per Alcohol-Related Injury
The average alcohol-related fatality in Kansas costs $3.4 million:
• $1.1 million in monetary costs
• $2.3 million in quality of life losses
The estimated cost per injured survivor of an alcohol-related crash averaged $97,000:
• $48,000 in monetary costs
• $49,000 in quality of life losses
Costs per Mile Driven
Crash costs in Kansas averaged:
• $4.60 per mile driven at BACs of .10 and above
• $2.00 per mile driven at BACs between .08-.09
• $0.10 per mile driven at BACs of .00
Costs per Drink
The societal costs of alcohol-related crashes in Kansas averaged $1.00 per drink consumed. People other than the drinking driver paid $0.60 per drink.
Impact on Auto Insurance Rates
Alcohol-related crashes accounted for an estimated 17% of Kansas’ auto insurance payments. Reducing alcohol-related crashes by 10% would save $20 million in claims payments and loss adjustment expenses.