How much does the state of New Mexico approximately spend per year to cover the cost of DWI crashes?

The state of New Mexico approximately spends $1.2 billion each year to cover the costs associated with DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) crashes. This figure highlights the vast financial burden that DWI incidents impose on state resources, including law enforcement, emergency services, healthcare, and legal costs. These expenses also encompass the impact on lost productivity, as individuals involved in such crashes may require long-term care or may no longer be able to contribute to the workforce.

Understanding the scale of this expenditure emphasizes the importance of DWI awareness programs, which aim to reduce such incidents and their associated costs. The sum reflects not only the immediate costs but also the extensive ripple effects that DWI-related crashes have on society as a whole.