Drunk Driving Statistics: An Examination of DUI Arrest and Death Data

Thousands of avoidable deaths occur each year because of drinking and driving. Drunk drivers are a threat not only to themselves but also to everyone else on the road because they are more likely to cause crashes due to impaired motor skills and reaction time. Accidents caused by drunk drivers can often cause serious injuries and death to any individual involved. Because of the dangers of impaired driving, police keep an eye out for signs of impaired drivers, and in doing so, arrest an average of 1 million drunk drivers yearly.

Below we will examine drunk driving statistics to outline when and where drunk driving crashes and DUI arrests are more likely to occur, and take a look at who dies and who is arrested as a result of these crashes.

How Many People are Killed Each Year in Drunk Driving Crashes?

Drunk driving causes thousands of preventable deaths in the US each year. According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, in 2020 there were a total of 11,654 fatalities related to alcohol-impaired driving, causing around 30% of all car accident-related deaths for the year.  While any amount of DUI deaths is too many, this number is down significantly from historical highs.  In 1982, 21,113 people were killed in crashes where at least one driver had a BAC of .08 or higher and 24,025 where a driver had a BAC above .01.

Alcohol-Related Fatalities From 1982 – 2020

A person’s BAC, or Blood Alcohol Content, is a unit of measurement that is used to determine how much alcohol is in a person’s system and to establish when a person is too drunk to drive.

A BAC of .08 or more is considered over the legal limit and data shows that drivers with a BAC of .08+ are more likely to die in the event of a crash than drivers with lower BACs. According to the NHTSA, a BAC of .08 causes muscle coordination to become poor, affecting reaction time, vision, speech, hearing, and balance. A BAC of .08 will also reduce concentration capabilities and information processing, making it extremely difficult and dangerous to operate a motor vehicle.

Since 1982:

• drunk driving deaths with a BAC of .01+ have decreased by about 10,000
• alcohol-impaired driving deaths with a BAC of .08+ have decreased by almost 10,000

In 2020:

• Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities made up 30% of all car crash-related deaths
• 8,626 deaths were vehicle occupants (drivers and other passengers)
• 1,803 deaths were motorcyclists
• 1,048 deaths were pedestrians
• 126 deaths were pedal cyclists
• 51 deaths were other unknown non-occupants
• There was a total of 11,654 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities

U.S. Drunk Driving Deaths by Year & BAC level

This table shows the number of deaths in crashes involving at least one driver who had been drinking from 1982 – 2020, along with the total number of motor vehicle deaths in each year.

When are Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents More Likely to Occur?

Fatal drunk driving accidents are more likely to occur around times when people are more likely to go out and engage in activities that involve indulging in alcohol. As a result, most fatal drunk driving accidents take place at night, on the weekends, during the summertime, and around holidays.

Times of Day with the Most Fatal Drunk Driving Incidents

Fatal crashes involving alcohol impairment (BAC of .08+) are 3.6 times more likely to happen at night than during the day.

Midnight to 3 am is the worst time on the road for motor vehicle fatalities involving alcohol-impaired driving

• 66% of all motor vehicle fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving occur during this time
• 55% of drivers involved are alcohol-impaired

3 am to 6 am is the second worst time on the road for motor vehicle fatalities

• 52% of all motor vehicle fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving occur during this time
• 42% of drivers involved were alcohol-impaired

9 pm to midnight is the third worse time on the road for motor vehicle fatalities

• 46%of all motor vehicle fatalities caused by alcohol-impaired driving occur during this time
• 36% of drivers involved were alcohol-impaired

There are different types of alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes that occur: single-vehicle and multiple-vehicle. Single-vehicle crashes only involve the impaired driver’s vehicle, whereas multiple-vehicle crashes involve both the impaired driver’s vehicle and other potentially unimpaired drivers and their vehicles.

Time of Day for Single-Vehicle Crashes and Percentage of Alcohol-Impaired Drivers Under 21

During the Daytime:

• Weekdays: 14%
• Weekend: 12%
• Total: 13%

At Nighttime:

• Weekday: 33%
• Weekend: 45%
• Total: 40%

Time of Day for Single-Vehicle Crashes and Percentage of Alcohol-Impaired Drivers Over 21

During the Daytime:

• Weekday: 22%
• Weekend: 29%
• Total: 24%

At Nighttime:

• Weekday: 52%
• Weekend: 62%
• Total: 57%

Time of Day for Multiple-Vehicle Crashes and Percentage of Alcohol-Impaired Drivers Under 21

During the Daytime:

• Weekdays: 5%
• Weekend: 10%
• Total: 6%

At Nighttime:

• Weekday: 19%
• Weekend: 26%
• Total: 23%

Time of Day for Multiple-Vehicle Crashes and Percentage of Alcohol-Impaired Drivers Over 21

During the Daytime:

• Weekday: 9%
• Weekend: 12%
• Total: 10%

At Nighttime:

• Weekday: 26%
• Weekend: 34%
• Total: 30%

Days of the Week with the Most Drunk Driving

• 28% of all drivers involved in fatal crashes on the weekend were alcohol-impaired, compared to 15% on weekdays
• 61% of drunk driving-related fatalities happen on the weekends (Friday through Sunday)

Months with the highest deadly alcohol-related car crash rates

• Summer is the most dangerous time of year on the road deadly drunk driving car crashes
• More deaths caused by drunken driving occur in July 9.6%, August 9.0% and September 9.0% than in any other month
• The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is known as the 100 Deadliest Days for teen drivers because teen drivers are more likely to die during this time period in impaired-driving car accidents

Drunk Driving and Holidays

During the holidays the percentage of deadly car accidents increases due to alcohol-impaired driving, making holidays one of the most dangerous times on the road. Below are statistics on alcohol-impaired driving deaths for each major holiday.

New Years

• In 2019 of the 428 traffic fatalities, 36% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2018 of the 325 traffic fatalities, 39% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2017 of the 330 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2016 of the 279 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2015 of the 354 traffic fatalities, 36% involved an alcohol-impaired driver

Memorial Day

• In 2019 of the 453 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2018 of the 430 traffic fatalities, 38% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2017 of the 345 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2016 of the 392 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2015 of the 370 traffic fatalities, 39% involved an alcohol-impaired driver

4th of July

• In 2019 of the 499 traffic fatalities, 39% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2018 of the 175 traffic fatalities, 41% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2017 of the 529 traffic fatalities, 38% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2016 of the 397 traffic fatalities, 42% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2015 of the 366 traffic fatalities, 35% involved an alcohol-impaired driver

Labor Day

• In 2019 of the 438 traffic fatalities, 39% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2018 of the 433 traffic fatalities, 36% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2017 of the 345 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2016 of the 384 traffic fatalities, 37% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2015 of the 397 traffic fatalities, 34% involved an alcohol-impaired driver

Thanksgiving

• In 2019 of the 413 traffic fatalities, 29% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2018 of the 433 traffic fatalities, 31% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2017 of the 470 traffic fatalities, 36% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2016 of the 439 traffic fatalities, 36% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2015 of the 392 traffic fatalities, 35% involved an alcohol-impaired driver

Christmas

• In 2019 of the 129 traffic fatalities, 38% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2018 of the 425 traffic fatalities, 35% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2017 of the 299 traffic fatalities, 38% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2016 of the 318 traffic fatalities, 35% involved an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2015 of the 280 traffic fatalities, 36% involved an alcohol-impaired driver

Who is Killed in Drunk Driving Accidents?

While drivers of all ages can make the decision to drink and drive, people between the ages of 21 and 34 are most likely to be killed in drunk driving accidents.  In fact, nearly 40% of all traffic deaths in that age group are alcohol-related.

Like most risky behaviors, men are overrepresented in drunk driving deaths.  Men are more than four times as likely to be involved in a fatal drunk driving accident compared to women. In 2020:

• 6,923 impaired male drivers were killed in drunk driving crashes
• 1,579 impaired female drivers were killed in drunk driving crashes

Where do Deadly Drunk Driving Accidents Happen Most Frequently?

Deadly drunk driving accidents occur in every state throughout the US, however, in some states they occur more often.   This map shows the total number of fatal alcohol-related fatalities in each state from 2017 through 2020, the lastest year available.

Select a state to view the drunk driving death trends in that state over this four-year period.

Below is a data table that outlines the number of deaths in each state over the past 5 years.

Drunk Driving Deaths by State

This table shows all deaths where at least one driver in a crash had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher from 2016 through 2020.  The percentage column shows the percentage of all motor vehicle fatalities that fit these criteria.

Which States Have the Biggest Problem with DUI Deaths?

While fatality totals are important, it is difficult to compare states given the significant population disparity.  However, viewing drunk driving deaths as a percentage of total fatalities allows us to see which states may or may not have a bigger issue with DUI deaths.

States with the highest percentage of Drunk Driving Deaths in the past 5 years

1. Connecticut 40%
2. Montana 40%
3. Rhode Island 40%
4. Texas 39%
5. North Dakota 38%
6. Massachusetts 34%
7. Hawaii 34%
8. Maine 33%
9. Oregon 33%
10. South Dakota 33%
11. Wisconsin 33%

States with the Lowest percentage of Drunk Driving Related Deaths in the past 5 years

1. Utah 20%
2. Kansas 22%
3. Kentucky 22%
4. Mississippi 23%
5. New Jersey 23%
6. Georgia 24%
7. West Virginia 24%
8. Minnesota 25%
9. Oklahoma 25%
10. Tennessee 25%

Why Do Drunk Driving-Related Deaths Happen?

The majority of US states that have the most drunk driving incidents are located in the Midwest and Mountain Regions. These areas usually have more open roads and rural land, meaning longer driving distances between destinations. Additionally, because of how rural these areas are, there is a lack of alternative transportation options, such as rideshares or public transportation.

In recent years, rideshare services have expanded into more rural areas of the US that were previously unserviced. However, even once the expansions occurred, regular access to the rideshare services is hard to come by due to the lower population and thus fewer employed drivers. In these areas, lack of access to alternative forms of transportation may play a role in the higher rates of drunken driving.

Arrests in the US: Driving Under the Influence

Each time someone gets behind the wheel drunk, they have the potential to impact multiple lives. In an effort to minimize deaths related to alcohol-impaired driving, authorities keep an eye out for signs of impaired drivers on the road. While the impact of an alcohol-related collision on those involved cannot be denied, a DUI or DWI arrest can dramatically change a person’s life as well. Consequences such as license revocation, steep fees and fines, higher insurance premiums, court-mandated driving classes, community service, and limited job opportunities can affect an arrested driver’s life for years after the incident.  On average, over 1 million arrested are made each year for driving under the influence.

Unfortunately, national DUI arrest data is very sparse, especially compared to the data readily available for deaths associated with alcohol-impaired driving.  However, the available data shows that arrests and deaths for alcohol-impaired driving have decreased over the years. DUI arrest data on a national level is important and could help shed light on ways to reduce drunken driving and thus arrests.

DUI Arrest Data

Data scientists at Insurify collected data from over 4 million car insurance applications and used this information to find the DUI rates for each state. Insurance applicants must submit their state of residence and driving history, which includes any violations. To find the percentage for each state the total number of drivers in each state was compared to the number of drivers with a DUI.

Top 10 States with the Highest Percentage of DUIs in 2021

1. North Dakota: 5.17% of Drivers with a DUI
2. Wyoming: 5.16% of Drivers with a DUI
3. South Dakota: 4.57% of Drivers with a DUI
4. Wisconsin: 4.33% of Drivers with a DUI
5. Alaska: 4.11% of Drivers with a DUI
6. Minnesota: 3.83% of Drivers with a DUI
7. Idaho: 3.7% of Drivers with a DUI
8. Montana: 3.69% of Drivers with a DUI
9. Nebraska: 3.65% of Drivers with a DUI
10. Iowa: 3.52% of Drivers with a DUI

*note: determined using the total number of drivers compared to the number of drivers with a DUI

NHTSA Roadside Study DUI Arrest Data

Between 1980 and 2014 the NHTSA conducted roadside studies on drunken driving and DUI arrests. The results shed light on the number of DUI arrests, liquor law arrests, and drunkenness arrests during the span of almost 40 years.

In 2014:

• A total of 1,117,852 DUI arrests were made
• There were over 300,000 arrests for liquor laws
• 414,854 arrests made for drunkenness

Between 1980 to 2014 arrests rates declined significantly due to stricter laws and more awareness of the dangers of impaired driving. During that span of almost 40 years:

• DUI arrest rates have declined from 627.9 to 350.6
• Liquor law arrest rates have declined from 204 to 100.7
• Drunkenness arrest rates have declined from 495.5 to 130.1

Between 1980 to 2014, DUI arrest rates decreased for all age groups

*Note: Arrest rate is defined as Arrests/100,000 Persons

Arrest Rates for Adults, Juveniles, and Total Population From 1980 to 2014

Aside from over a million arrests made for DUIs, there are also many arrests made each year for violations of liquor laws and drunkenness. Liquor laws define who can buy alcohol and where and when it can be purchased, these laws vary from state to state. Drunkenness laws refer to public intoxication. Some states do not have laws surrounding public intoxication, however, most do. Enforcement of drunkenness laws varies depending on the state. Below is a table that outlines the arrest rates for DUIs, liquor laws, and drunkenness for adults, juveniles, and the total population between 1980 to 2014.

*Note: Arrest rate is defined as Arrests/100,000 Persons

Overall DUI, liquor law, and drunkenness arrest rates have decreased over time. For the population as a whole, between 1980 to 2014:

• DUI arrest rates have decreased from 627.9 in 1980 to 350.6 in 2014
• Liquor laws arrest rates have decreased from 204 in 1980 to 100.7 in 2014
• Drunkenness arrest rates have decreased from 495.5 in 1980 to 130.1 in 2014

For adults ages 18+:

• DUI arrest rates have decreased from 852.4 in 1980 to 452.9 in 2014
• Liquor laws arrest rates have decreased from 190.6 in 1980 to 110.1 in 2014
• Drunkenness arrest rates have decreased from 661.2 in 1980 to 166.5 in 2014

For juveniles under 18:

• DUI arrest rates have decreased from 51.4 in 1980 to 9.5 in 2014
• Liquor laws arrest rates have decreased from 238.5 in 1980 to 69.5 in 2014
• Drunkenness arrest rates have decreased from 69.9 in 1980 to 8.8 in 2014

Male vs. Female DUI Arrest Rates

The most recent arrest data collected by the Bureau of Justice in 2014 shows that men are more than 3 times as likely as women to be arrested for a DUI. The table below shows arrest rate data for men and women between 1980 and 2014.

MaleFemale

Interestingly, while arrest rates for men have been cut by more than half, arrest rates for women have increased by over 50 percent since 1980.

DUI arrest rates for men:

• In 1980: 1,171.6
• In 2014: 534.9

DUI arrest rates for women:

• In 1980: 114.1
• In 2014: 172

DUI Arrest Rates Based on Race and Age

When do Most DUI Arrests Occur?

Data collected by the NHTSA shows that most drunk driving occurs at night and on the weekends, thus the rates of DUI arrests are likely to be higher at those times. Nights and weekends are times when people are off of work, out with friends, and attending events, and are more likely to drink alcohol. 

Putting it All Together

It is clear that the operation of motor vehicles and alcohol do not and should not mix.  The drunk driving statistics presented here should illuminate the dangers and risk involved.   A DUI arrest can significantly alter the course of your life.  A drunk driving collision can end it and destroy the lives of innocent bystanders or other motorists.

If you have been or plan to drink alcohol, don’t get behind the wheel of a car.  Secure a safe and sober ride or call a taxi or rideshare service.

SOURCES

BAC Track: The Most Dangerous Times on the Road

Bureau of Justice Statistics: DUI Arrest Statistics

Insurify: Breathalyze This! States with the Most DUIs (2021)

NHTSA: Traffic Safety Facts Annual Report Tables

NHTSA: National Statistics .pdf

NHTSA: Traffic Safety Facts Alcohol-Impaired Driving

NHTSA: 2013-2014 National Roadside Study of Alcohol and Drug Use by Drivers

NHTSA: Estimate of Motor Vehicle Traffic Crash Fatalities for the Holiday Periods of 2019

NSC Injury Facts: Holiday Traffic Fatality Estimate

Responsibility.org: National Drunk Driving Statistics Map

Value Penguin: Fatal Drunken Driving Crashes Are a Persistent Holiday Threat

Zutobi: The US DUI Report – The States With the Most and Least Drunk Driving