In the past 30 years, the number of automobile alcohol-related fatalities has

• A. Has increased
• B. Has decreased
• C. Has remained stable
• D. Has fluctuated wildly and randomly from year to year

Answer: (B)

Over the past several decades, there has been a broad downward movement in automobile alcohol-related fatalities thanks to a combination of stricter drunk-driving laws, more vigilant enforcement, and safer vehicle designs. Public health campaigns, higher penalties for intoxicated driving, ignition interlocks, and better roadside testing have all reduced how often people drive after drinking, while improvements in car safety lessen the likelihood of fatal outcomes when crashes do occur. Year-to-year numbers can vary, but the long-term trend is a decline, not a consistent rise, stable level, or wild, random swings.