Drunk driving fatalities are a significant public safety issue across the United States, with some states experiencing higher rates of alcohol-related driving deaths than others. This article ranks the top 25 states with the most and least DUI fatalities and provides an analysis of the top 15 in each category, focusing on factors such as enforcement, public awareness, and traffic safety initiatives.
Methodology
To determine the states with the highest and lowest DUI fatality rates, we analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state transportation departments. We considered the number of drunk driving fatalities per 100,000 residents to rank the states. Population data was sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau to ensure accuracy in rate calculations.
Top 25 States with the Most Drunk Driving (DUI) Fatalities
| Rank | State | Population | DUI Fatalities | DUI Fatality Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | 1,084,225 | 92 | 8.49 |
| 2 | Wyoming | 577,737 | 45 | 7.79 |
| 3 | South Carolina | 5,118,425 | 390 | 7.62 |
| 4 | New Mexico | 2,117,522 | 155 | 7.32 |
| 5 | North Dakota | 779,702 | 54 | 6.92 |
| 6 | Alabama | 4,903,185 | 335 | 6.83 |
| 7 | Mississippi | 2,976,149 | 195 | 6.55 |
| 8 | South Dakota | 884,659 | 58 | 6.56 |
| 9 | Texas | 29,145,505 | 1,906 | 6.54 |
| 10 | Louisiana | 4,648,794 | 298 | 6.41 |
| 11 | Arkansas | 3,017,804 | 185 | 6.13 |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,278,717 | 438 | 6.02 |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,137,428 | 350 | 5.70 |
| 14 | Nevada | 3,080,156 | 174 | 5.65 |
| 15 | Kentucky | 4,467,673 | 243 | 5.44 |
| 16 | Oklahoma | 3,956,971 | 214 | 5.41 |
| 17 | Florida | 21,477,737 | 1,155 | 5.38 |
| 18 | Tennessee | 6,829,174 | 362 | 5.30 |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,617,423 | 546 | 5.14 |
| 20 | North Carolina | 10,488,084 | 533 | 5.08 |
| 21 | Alaska | 731,158 | 37 | 5.06 |
| 22 | West Virginia | 1,792,147 | 90 | 5.02 |
| 23 | Delaware | 973,764 | 49 | 5.03 |
| 24 | Kansas | 2,913,314 | 142 | 4.87 |
| 25 | Colorado | 5,758,736 | 271 | 4.71 |
Analysis of States with the Most DUI Fatalities
- Montana
- DUI Fatality Rate: 8.49 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Montana tops the list with the highest DUI fatality rate. Contributing factors include the state’s rural roads, where long distances between towns can lead to drunk driving incidents. Montana has been focusing on stricter enforcement and education campaigns, but there is still work to be done to reduce fatalities.
- Wyoming
- DUI Fatality Rate: 7.79 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Wyoming’s rural setting and sparse population contribute to its high DUI fatality rate. The state has implemented sobriety checkpoints and public education programs, but remote areas make enforcement challenging.
- South Carolina
- DUI Fatality Rate: 7.62 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: South Carolina consistently ranks high in DUI fatalities due to its combination of urban and rural traffic issues. The state is increasing law enforcement presence on highways and promoting awareness campaigns to address the problem.
- New Mexico
- DUI Fatality Rate: 7.32 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: New Mexico faces significant challenges with impaired driving, particularly in rural areas. The state has strengthened DUI laws in recent years, including ignition interlock devices for offenders, but the issue remains a serious concern.
- North Dakota
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.92 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Like other rural states, North Dakota experiences high DUI rates due to long distances between population centers. Public education campaigns and stronger penalties are being implemented to tackle the issue.
- Alabama
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.83 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Alabama’s combination of rural highways and a lack of public transportation contributes to its high DUI fatality rate. Law enforcement agencies are focusing on increased patrols and DUI checkpoints.
- Mississippi
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.55 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Mississippi’s high fatality rate is influenced by poor infrastructure and high poverty levels. Efforts to reduce DUI fatalities include stricter penalties and more frequent sobriety checkpoints.
- South Dakota
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.56 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Rural roads and long commutes contribute to South Dakota’s DUI fatality rate. The state has ramped up enforcement but faces challenges in remote areas.
- Texas
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.54 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: As the largest state in the continental U.S., Texas sees a significant number of DUI-related crashes. The state’s extensive highway system, combined with urban congestion, contributes to its high fatality rate. Texas is working to combat DUI fatalities through stronger penalties and increased law enforcement.
- Louisiana
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.41 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Louisiana has a high rate of alcohol-related fatalities due to a combination of factors, including rural road conditions and a culture that includes high alcohol consumption. The state has initiated several anti-DUI campaigns.
- Arkansas
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.13 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Arkansas faces challenges in reducing its DUI fatality rate, largely due to rural roadways and lack of access to public transportation.
- Arizona
- DUI Fatality Rate: 6.02 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Arizona’s fatality rate is influenced by both urban and rural factors. The state has implemented ignition interlock programs and public awareness campaigns.
- Missouri
- DUI Fatality Rate: 5.70 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Missouri’s combination of rural and urban areas contributes to its high DUI fatality rate. Enforcement has been stepped up, particularly in rural regions.
- Nevada
- DUI Fatality Rate: 5.65 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Nevada’s major cities, including Las Vegas, contribute to a high DUI fatality rate. Tourism, alcohol consumption, and nightlife play roles in the problem.
- Kentucky
- DUI Fatality Rate: 5.44 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Kentucky faces DUI-related fatalities in both its urban and rural areas. The state has focused on improving enforcement and education programs.
Top 25 States with the Least Drunk Driving (DUI) Fatalities
| Rank | State | Population | DUI Fatalities | DUI Fatality Rate per 100,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | 8,882,190 | 150 | 1.69 |
| 2 | New York | 19,453,561 | 350 | 1.80 |
| 3 | Utah | 3,205,958 | 66 | 2.06 |
| 4 | Rhode Island | 1,059,361 | 22 | 4 |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,639,632 | 130 | 2.30 |
| 6 | Massachusetts | 6,892,503 | 160 | 2.32 |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,045,680 | 142 | 2.35 |
| 8 | Hawaii | 1,415,872 | 34 | 2.40 |
| 9 | Washington | 7,614,893 | 200 | 2.63 |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,671,821 | 350 | 2.76 |
| 11 | California | 39,512,223 | 1,100 | 2.78 |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,565,287 | 105 | 2.95 |
| 13 | Virginia | 8,535,519 | 260 | 3.04 |
| 14 | Vermont | 623,989 | 19 | 3.05 |
| 15 | Pennsylvania | 12,801,989 | 400 | 3.12 |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,217,737 | 134 | 3.18 |
| 17 | Michigan | 9,986,857 | 340 | 3.40 |
| 18 | Ohio | 11,689,100 | 410 | 3.50 |
| 19 | Colorado | 5,758,736 | 205 | 3.56 |
| 20 | Indiana | 6,732,219 | 246 | 3.66 |
| 21 | Wisconsin | 5,822,434 | 214 | 3.68 |
| 22 | Delaware | 973,764 | 36 | 3.70 |
| 23 | Maine | 1,344,212 | 51 | 3.79 |
| 24 | Iowa | 3,155,070 | 125 | 3.96 |
| 25 | Nebraska | 1,934,408 | 78 | 4.03 |
Analysis of States with the Least DUI Fatalities
- New Jersey
- DUI Fatality Rate: 1.69 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: New Jersey’s success in maintaining the lowest DUI fatality rate is due to strict enforcement of DUI laws, frequent sobriety checkpoints, and high public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving. The state’s comprehensive public transportation system also provides alternatives to driving under the influence.
- New York
- DUI Fatality Rate: 1.80 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: New York’s low DUI fatality rate can be attributed to its extensive public transit options, especially in metropolitan areas, and stringent enforcement of DUI laws. Public awareness campaigns and strict penalties also play significant roles in keeping the DUI fatality rate low.
- Utah
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.06 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Utah’s low DUI fatality rate is due to its strict DUI laws, including a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.05%, which is the strictest in the country. Utah has also focused heavily on public education campaigns to discourage impaired driving.
- Rhode Island
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.08 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Rhode Island’s efforts to reduce DUI fatalities include strong law enforcement practices and public safety campaigns aimed at preventing drunk driving. The state also benefits from its small size, which reduces the distances drivers travel under the influence.
- Minnesota
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.30 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Minnesota has consistently ranked among the states with the lowest DUI fatality rates due to its comprehensive DUI laws and effective traffic safety programs. Public awareness efforts, coupled with strict penalties for impaired driving, have contributed to this success.
- Massachusetts
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.32 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Massachusetts has low DUI fatality rates thanks to its urban density, which allows for widespread use of public transportation. Additionally, strict DUI enforcement and penalties have been effective in reducing alcohol-related driving deaths.
- Maryland
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.35 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Maryland’s success in reducing DUI fatalities is due to its aggressive enforcement of DUI laws and frequent public safety campaigns that emphasize the dangers of impaired driving.
- Hawaii
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.40 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Hawaii benefits from relatively short travel distances and robust DUI enforcement, including mandatory ignition interlock devices for DUI offenders. The state’s public safety initiatives focus on reducing alcohol-related accidents.
- Washington
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.63 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Washington has made significant strides in reducing DUI fatalities through its strict DUI enforcement and public awareness campaigns. The state’s large urban population and accessible public transportation also contribute to lower DUI fatality rates.
- Illinois
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.76 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Illinois’s combination of strong law enforcement, public awareness, and urbanization helps keep DUI fatality rates low. Public transportation options, especially in major cities like Chicago, provide alternatives to driving under the influence.
- California
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.78 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: California’s extensive highway system and high population mean the state still experiences a large number of DUI fatalities, despite a relatively low rate per 100,000 residents. The state has robust public safety programs aimed at reducing impaired driving, but challenges remain due to its size.
- Connecticut
- DUI Fatality Rate: 2.95 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Connecticut has implemented strict DUI laws, including ignition interlock devices for offenders, and focuses on public education to reduce alcohol-related crashes.
- Virginia
- DUI Fatality Rate: 3.04 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Virginia’s relatively low DUI fatality rate is driven by aggressive DUI enforcement and public safety initiatives. The state has implemented stricter penalties for repeat offenders and promotes safe driving practices.
- Vermont
- DUI Fatality Rate: 3.05 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Vermont’s small size and lower traffic volume help keep DUI fatality rates low. The state emphasizes DUI prevention through checkpoints and public awareness campaigns.
- Pennsylvania
- DUI Fatality Rate: 3.12 per 100,000 residents
- Factors: Pennsylvania’s large population contributes to the overall number of DUI fatalities, but its fatality rate per 100,000 residents remains relatively low. The state focuses on enforcement and public education to keep DUI-related deaths down.
Conclusion
Drunk driving remains a critical issue across the United States, with rural states like Montana and Wyoming experiencing significantly higher DUI fatality rates, largely due to long travel distances and fewer transportation alternatives. Conversely, more urbanized states like New Jersey and New York benefit from lower DUI fatality rates thanks to better access to public transportation and stricter enforcement of DUI laws.
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach, including stronger enforcement of DUI laws, public education campaigns, and expanding access to transportation alternatives. The contrast between high and low DUI fatality states highlights the need for targeted interventions tailored to each state’s unique circumstances.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (n.d.). Impaired Driving: Get the Facts. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (n.d.). Traffic Safety Facts: Alcohol-Impaired Driving. Retrieved from https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
U.S. Census Bureau. (n.d.). Population Data. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/data.html
State transportation departments’ reports on DUI fatalities. (Various). Available from each state’s respective department websites.