Drunk Driving Statistics by State
Article updated 9/10/2020
Driving while impaired is illegal in all 50 states. However, there are some states that have higher rates of alcohol-related driving offenses and drunk driving offenses. Backgroundchecks.org compared the data to produce this map that highlights the various drunk driving statistics by state. Using data from the FBI’s latest arrest figures, U.S. Census data, and information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on drunk driving accidents, each state is ranked by their DUI death rate per 100,000. The number of fatalities, DUI arrests, and the percentage of adults who reported drinking too much before driving were also factored into the selection process.
The following 10 drunk driving statistics by state currently have the highest instance of or most severe problems with DUIs:
1. Drunk Driving Charges in Wyoming
The rate of alcohol-related fatalities in Wyoming is 9.56 per 100,000, which is the highest of any other state.
Wyoming requires a license suspension and ignition interlock device for first-time DUI offenders in cases where their blood alcohol level (BAC) is above 0.15 (the legal limit is .08). Wyoming has a DUI death rate of 9.56 per 100,000, the highest out of any other state.
2. North Dakota’s DUI Statistics
North Dakota has the highest percentage of adults who admit to having too much to drink before driving, with 3.4 percent acknowledging they over-indulged before getting behind the wheel. The state had 6,351 DUI arrests and 50 deaths caused by drunk driving in 2016.
3. DUI Arrests in South Dakota
South Dakota has a high rate of DUI arrests, with 844 per 100,000 arrests related to DUI. In total, the state arrested 7,305 people for DUI, and 2.2 percent of adults admitted they drank too much before driving. The state also has a DUI fatality rate of 4.97 per 100,000. South Dakota has the worst DUI arrest rate out of the other states, with 844 per 100,000 arrests.
4. Montana’s DUI Offense Conviction Rate
Montana’s DUI death rate is the second-highest in the country, with fatalities occurring in 7.19 per every 100,000 incidents. Adults in Montana also reported having too much to drink before driving, with 2.4 percent admitting over-indulging before getting behind the wheel. A DUI conviction in Montana will lead to a six-month license suspension.
5. South Carolina’s High Rate of DUI Arrests
The number of DUI arrests in South Carolina is truly staggering, with 16,272 DUI arrests in the small state. Not only that, there were 301 DUI deaths, making the rate of DUI fatalities a sobering 6.07 per 100,000.
6. Mississippi’s DUI Policies
Mississippi had 175 DUI deaths and 6,889 DUI arrests. First-time offenders receive a 90-day license suspension and must enroll in an alcohol-safety education program. A second DUI offense in Mississippi comes with a one-year license suspension or the installation of an ignition interlock device.
7. New Mexico’s Ignition Interlock Requirements After DUI
New Mexico requires an IID for first-time DUI offenders. The DUI death rate in New Mexico is 4.71 per 100,000. There were 98 deaths resulting from DUI incidents in 2016 along with 8,542 DUI arrests.
8. DUI Arrests in Kentucky
Kentucky had a whopping 17,825 DUI arrests in 2016. First-time offenders have their license suspended, and anyone caught driving under the influence a second time have their license suspended AND they must install an IID. Kentucky DUI incidents resulted in 192 deaths in 2016.
9. Drunk Driving Arrests in Maine High for Population
For a smaller state, Maine has a large number of DUI arrests. There were 5,756 arrests for DUI made in 2016. The death rate from DUI incidents is 3.91 per 100,000. Anyone convicted of DUI in Maine is required to have an ignition interlock device installed after their first offense.
10. DUI Offenses and Arrests in Arkansas
Arkansas has a death rate of 4.99 per 100,000 people, with 149 people dying due to DUI in 2016. An ignition interlock device can be installed after a first-time DUI conviction in Arkansas in order to receive a restricted driving permit.
The states on this list have a larger problem with DUI offenses than some other states, but every state suffers the consequences of drivers who drink. The NHTSA reports that 10,497 people were killed in the U.S. due to drunk driving in 2016. Studies show that ignition interlock devices are effective in preventing drunk driving and reducing the potential for repeat offenses. If you are in need of an ignition interlock device, call 833-623-0200 today to learn more! Intoxalock offers affordable pricing and has the most IID installation locations throughout the U.S.
