- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 32.10%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 486.64
Wisconsin just narrowly misses the top 25 worst states for drunk driving, making it as the 25th best for having fewer drunk drivers.
Nevertheless, it’s important to denote that Wisconsin’s percentage of fatalities caused by drinking and driving is still highly problematic and its significant DUI arrests paint an alarming picture. There’s still much room for improvement when it comes to drinking responsibly.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 39.10%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 408.87
Washington suffers from a staggering 39.10% of traffic fatalities being caused by drunk drivers. It even has a significant number of arrests. However, due to its lower rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes, for every 100,000 people, behind the wheel – it manages to narrowly miss the very worst states.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 29.41%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 313.18
Nebraska showcases relatively lower rates of fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers and a moderate DUI arrest rate. With 29.41% of fatalities attributed to drunk drivers and a DUI arrest rate of 313.18, Nebraska demonstrates a comparatively better situation compared to many other states.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 23.21%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 217.29
West Virginia faces the challenge of drunk driving, with a notable percentage of fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers and a relatively lower DUI arrest rate. While West Virginia demonstrates a lower DUI arrest rate compared to some states, continued efforts in education, prevention, and enforcement are imperative to reduce the incidence of drunk driving further and ensure the safety of its roadways.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 31.97%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 344.75
With a somewhat high percentage of fatalities caused by drunk driving, we’d be hard-pressed to say that California was drinking responsibly. But at least, of those driving drunk, they happen to be avoiding fatal accidents. The state only has 4 out of every 100,000 drunk drivers involved in a fatal accident.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 28.02%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 201.48
North Carolina’s 28.02% isn’t the worst percentage of fatalities caused by drunk drivers but its arrest record is on the low side, suggesting it may become a larger issue in the future if law enforcement and public outreach programs can’t do more to stop it.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 38.14%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 361.77
As one of the worst states for buckling up, it’s no surprise that New Hampshire is not entirely responsible when it comes to drinking and driving. Somehow they managed to make the top 25 best states because of their lower rate of fatalities involving drunk drivers.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 38.10%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 327.15
Rhode Island is the smallest state but still has a higher population than others, which makes the 38.10% of fatalities caused by drunk drivers still problematic. While it fares better than most other states, its evident there is still much work to be done on Rhode Island’s behalf.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 27.26%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 93.95
Florida, coming in as the 17th best when it comes to drinking and driving, manages to be the first state with fairly impressive numbers. With less than 100 DUI arrests and only a moderate rate of fatalities caused by DUIs, Florida shows some level of responsibility – at least when it comes to drinking.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 28.88%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 310.26
With 28.88% of fatalities caused by drunk drivers and a DUI arrest rate of 310.26, the state navigates the complex landscape of road safety and alcohol-related incidents. Factors contributing to this issue may include urban sprawl, cultural attitudes towards alcohol, and enforcement strategies.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 29.79%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 324.15
Hawaii emerges as a state showcasing comparatively lower rates of fatalities caused by drunk drivers alongside a notable DUI arrest rate, painting a positive picture in the fight against intoxicated driving. Hawaii's favorable statistics suggest that the state has made significant strides in combating drunk driving and promoting road safety.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 25.11%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 233.42
Indiana emerges as one of the states demonstrating commendable progress in combating drunk driving, boasting a lower percentage of fatalities caused by intoxicated drivers alongside a notable DUI arrest rate. With 25.11% of fatalities attributed to drunk drivers and a DUI arrest rate of 233.42, Indiana showcases a proactive approach to tackling this critical public safety issue.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 25.71%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 285.70
Through collaborative initiatives and ongoing dedication, Kansas sets a commendable example as a state making significant strides in reducing the incidence of drunk driving and creating safer roadways for all. With a low 25.71% of fatalities attributed to drunk drivers and a DUI arrest rate of 285.70, the state sets a shining example for its bordering neighbors.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 34.76%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 317.70
Maryland faces the significant challenge of drunk driving, with a somewhat higher percentage of fatalities attributed to intoxicated drivers alongside a notable DUI arrest rate. However, other factors such as its low 3.67 rate of drunk drivers involved in actual fatal crashes make the state relatively safe for other drivers.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 21.76%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 260.82
While its low arrest numbers are impressive in and of itself when you consider the entire population, most impressive is Georgia’s percentage of fatalities caused by drunk drivers. It has the single lowest percentage compared to all 50 states, which is why Georgia ranks as the 11th best for DUIs.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 34.56%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 69.83
Illinois has the second-lowest number of DUI arrests per every 100,000 drivers, but a percentage of fatalities caused by drunk drivers that keeps it from ranking any higher on the list. But as it stands, it just makes the top 10 spot for states doing their best to avoid drunk driving.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 31.08%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 460.50
Vermont’s statistics are not the most impressive when it comes to fatalities caused by drunk drivers nor when it comes to the number of arrests. Regardless, it has one of the lowest rates of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes - 3.36.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 28.61%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 287.28
Michigan confronts drunk driving challenges with a unique blend of proactive measures and cultural initiatives. Despite a percentage of fatalities caused by drunk drivers standing at 28.61%, and a DUI arrest rate of 287.28, the state adopts a multifaceted approach to address this pressing issue.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 27.40%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 350.84
With 27.40% of fatalities caused by drunk drivers and a DUI arrest rate of 350.84, the state navigates the delicate balance of promoting road safety while addressing the issue of drunk driving.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 26.64%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 466.68
With 26.64% of fatalities caused by drunk drivers and a DUI arrest rate of 466.68, the state navigates the complex intersection of road safety and alcohol-related incidents. Even with its diverse landscapes, ranging from bustling urban centers to serene rural areas, Minnesota manages to effectively address DUIs as a critical public safety concern.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 33.54%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 163.97
New York has a lower DUI arrest rate compared to most and a low rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents - less than three for every 100,000 drivers. That being said, it just manages to make the top 5 among the best states for DUIs.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 35.97%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 160.79
Massachusetts boasts comparable numbers to New York and even fewer drunk drivers involved in fatal incidents. Nevertheless, its 35.97% percent of fatalities caused by drunk drivers poses plenty of problems for sober drivers.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 24.09%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 334.75
Utah ranks higher among the best states for DUI thanks to its lower percentage of drivers causing car crashes. Its DUI rate also remains somewhat low, even if it's not the best there is.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 25.00%
- DUI Arrest Rate: 42.57
Delaware pulls in some impressive statistics all around, which is why it makes it as the second-best state in the country for drinking and driving. It has the single lowest rate of DUI arrests in the entire country, which is the most impressive of all.
- Percentage of Fatalities Caused by Drunk Drivers: 25.46%
- DUI Arrest Rate (per 100,000 drivers): 245.66
Interestingly, New Jersey ranks as the best when it comes to drinking responsibly. According to statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, New Jersey had a lower percentage of fatalities caused by drunk drivers, a low rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents, and a relatively low number of arrests.
While New Jersey could always improve or falter, for now, Forbes Advisor ranks it at the bottom of their “Worst States for Drunk Driving In 2024” list, making Jersey the best when it comes to drinking responsibly.
