I read those numbers and thank the powers that be that I am not a statistic. I have in my youth driven a few times under the influence by today' standards. I was lucky as were the folks on the road with me. There are many who were not so lucky. It's sad that a tragedy has to happen before some get the message. I had some friends killed in a drunken driver accident. Cured me.
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to realize that in todays world of road rage, high speed traffic and constant juvenile foolishness, death is only a step away. Adults that should know better often set the wrong example, and the need for some to get a high via the adrenaline boost from a near death experience is one of the games people play. Some survive, some don't.
I believe, the penalties for first time dui should be harsher. By that I don't mean extended jail time for first timers. The experience in a jail with some of the hardened criminals would not be a useful one. However, there must be some way to penalize and educate those folks and change their values. ...more tax dollars.