Drunk Driving Statistics 2025:
U.S. Cities With the Highest and Lowest DUI Rates

Driving is a daily routine among most Americans, and while it certainly has risks of its own on any given day, driving while intoxicated increases those risks. Millions of innocent lives are at stake, and drunk driving statistics make it clear this major problem continues to plague our roads.

Despite countless campaigns targeting drunk driving and the availability of rideshare options, many drivers continue to get behind the wheel when they've had one (or two!) too many. However, some U.S. cities have higher DUI rates than others, making them even more dangerous, especially for innocent drivers who may later need the help of an experienced car accident attorney after a serious crash.

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we are committed to providing legal support to victims who have been harmed by the negligent actions of drunk drivers as well as advocating for safety on roads across the country. Our study analyzed hundreds of American cities, evaluating drunk driving arrests, fatalities, and the percentage of alcohol-related traffic deaths relative to population, to identify the drunk driving capital and determine which cities have the highest and lowest DUI rates.

Drunk Driving in America

Every day, 37 people die from drunk driving crashes, according to statistics published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In total, impaired driving kills thousands of people annually throughout the U.S., and not just the intoxicated drivers who got behind the wheel or their passengers. Drivers and passengers of other vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists have all tragically lost their lives. Husbands, wives, children, parents, grandparents, and friends have been suddenly taken away due to these criminally negligent decisions.

At Amanda Demanda Personal Injury Lawyers, we have examined DUI-related data across 100 U.S. cities, looking at DUI arrests, how many people die from drunk driving, and the percentage of alcohol-related deaths to create this assessment. This data has revealed that Memphis, TN, ranks the highest while Chandler, AZ, ranks the lowest, as well as other crucial details that may explain why these cities are at opposite ends of the drunk driving spectrum.

Fighting the problem of drunk driving across the nation requires a multi-faceted approach. As experts in DUI-related personal injury cases who observe firsthand the toll these accidents take on victims, we are committed to being part of the solution. By identifying the cities with the most drunk driving deaths per year, we aim to curb this epidemic that has been plaguing our nation's roads.

Key Findings at a Glance

• Memphis, TN, ranked as the top drunk driving hotspot in the U.S., with high DUI fatality and arrest scores.
• Chandler, AZ, had the lowest overall score, making it the safest city in terms of drunk driving risk.
• Among all vehicle types, Ford F-Series trucks, Chevrolet Silverados, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles are most commonly involved in fatal DUI crashes nationwide.
• Despite having a reputation as a party destination, Las Vegas had the lowest DUI arrest rate score of any city.
• Colorado cities, including Aurora, Denver, and Colorado Springs, dominate the top 20, all with high alcohol-related death percentages.
• New York City had the lowest percentage of traffic deaths involving alcohol, at just 1%.
• Several Arizona cities, including Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, and Scottsdale, ranked among the 10 safest cities, suggesting strong enforcement and public safety campaigns may be effective.

How Alcohol Affects Driving

It is clear that the general public is concerned about the impacts of drunk driving. Google searches in the last 30 days have indicated 'drunk driving deaths by year' are up over 300% while 'driving while intoxicated' is up over 70%. Some may genuinely be concerned for their safety, while others may be worried about DUI checkpoints or being at fault in drunk driving accidents, requiring the need for a DUI lawyer.

Regardless of the reasons behind these searches, awareness must be focused on how alcohol affects a person's ability to drive safely. Since it reduces brain functionality, reasoning, and causes poor coordination, alcohol can also lead to a loss of judgment, directly interfering with safe driving practices.

The more alcohol a person consumes, the greater the negative effects become on the central nervous system. Alcohol is absorbed through the walls of the stomach and small intestine, going into the bloodstream until the liver metabolizes it. The amount of alcohol in a person's system, measured in grams of alcohol per deciliter of blood, is known as blood alcohol concentration (BAC).

Since the BAC of 0.08% is the point at which crash risks increase, 49 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have set this as the legal limit, while Utah has set it at 0.05%. However, every driver should know that even lower BAC levels, such as 0.01 to 0.07, can increase the risk. Over 2,300 people were killed in 2022 by drivers who were below the legal limit standard, illustrating just how dangerous it can be to get behind the wheel after drinking any amount of alcohol.

The Worst Cities for Drunk Driving

Our analysis highlights U.S. cities with the highest DUI arrest rates and the most alcohol-related fatal crashes. Memphis, Tennessee, ranks as the biggest hotspot for drunk driving, followed by Detroit, Michigan, and Houston, Texas, as the top three cities that scored over 80. Nashville and Charlotte also round out the top five, while several Colorado cities hold positions at the top of the worst cities for drunk driving.

Top 10 Worst Cities for Drunk Driving

#1 Memphis, Tennessee Total Drunk Driving Score: 88.1

Memphis ranks as the top U.S. drunk driving hotspot with a drunk driving arrest rate of 77, 98 drunk driving deaths per 100k residents, and an alcohol-related death score of 86, making its total ranking 88.1. Most alcohol-related crashes in Memphis occur on I-27, largely due to its massive traffic volume, high speeds, and various merge points that can make it easier for drivers under the influence of alcohol to crash.

#2 Detroit, Michigan Total Drunk Driving Score: 84.1

Detroit has a total drunk driving score of 84.1, influenced by its drunk driving arrest rate of 68, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents of 97, and deaths involving alcohol at 83. It ranks second in the country on the list of worst locations for drunk driving, with intersection density and a larger mix of pedestrian traffic playing a role.

#3 Houston, Texas Total Drunk Driving Score: 84.1

Houston may tie with Detroit with the total drunk driving score; however, other metrics position it as slightly less dangerous. Houston has a drunk driving arrest rate of 93, which is higher than Detroit, though its drunk driving deaths per 100k residents are scored at 82, and deaths involving alcohol are scored at 78. The city’s fast-moving traffic and frequent congestion make it especially prone to serious crashes, including many involving alcohol, where a Houston personal injury attorney may be essential for victims seeking justice.

#4 Nashville, Tennessee Total Drunk Driving Score: 78.6

Nashville takes the fourth-highest slot for drunk driving. Data reveals that it has a drunk driving arrest rate of 50, a drunk driving deaths per 100k residents score of 93, and deaths involving alcohol score of 88. A large influx of tourists, a lively nightlife scene, and problematic highways, particularly I-94, are all contributing factors, and clearly, more focus is needed on prevention.

#5 Charlotte, North Carolina Total Drunk Driving Score: 78.3

Charlotte's total drunk driving score of 78.3 may be attributed to its robust entertainment hub areas and social norms revolving around drinking. The drunk driving arrest rate here is 74, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents is 75, and the percentage of deaths involving alcohol rates at 87. Better focus on the harms of overconsumption of alcohol is needed to curb these troubling statistics.

#6 Aurora, Colorado Total Drunk Driving Score: 77.6

Aurora's ranking of 77.6 as the total drunk driving score is one of the most troubling, since the total population of this U.S. city is just over 390,000. It has a drunk driving arrest rate of 37, a drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents rating of 95, and 95% of all traffic deaths here involve alcohol. Authorities are working to address these issues by raising awareness while promoting safer alternatives.

#7 Denver, Colorado Total Drunk Driving Score: 77.1

Denver is another Colorado city that joins the top 10 worst cities for drunk drivers. With a drunk driving arrest rate of 45, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents of 87, and deaths involving alcohol scored at 96, it has a total drunk driving score of 77.1. A strong drinking culture weighs heavily on those numbers. Coupled with a large number of motorcycle riders, particularly Harley-Davidson drivers, Denver needs greater focus on traffic enforcement to protect its citizens.

#8 Dallas, Texas Total Drunk Driving Score: 73

Dallas is a sprawling city with long commutes. Paired with faulty road design and limited public transportation, it ranks eighth on this list with a total drunk driving score of 73. The drunk driving arrest rate for Dallas is 53, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents is 94, and deaths involving alcohol scored at 65. Law enforcement staffing shortages may be contributing, and less frequent traffic stops, particularly on the most problematic road, SR-358, need to be addressed. Our Texas personal injury lawyers are familiar with the unique challenges drivers face across the state, including cities like Dallas.

#9 Milwaukee, Wisconsin Total Drunk Driving Score: 72.6

Milwaukee's US-60 has been identified as a common area for alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. The total drunk driving score of 72.6 was calculated with the drunk driving arrest rate of 58, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents of 78, and deaths involving alcohol of 80. This Wisconsin city has long been known for having some of the worst drivers, and adding alcohol into the mix further inhibits safe and responsible driving.

#10 Richmond, Virginia Total Drunk Driving Score: 72.1

Richmond, VA, has a relatively small population—just under 230,000—yet holds a drunk driving score of 72.1 fueled by a drunk driving arrest rate of 94, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents of 88, and a percentage of deaths involving alcohol of 29. While Richmond is tough on drunk drivers, something more needs to be done to make the roads safer.

The Safest Cities for Drunk Driving

By stark contrast, the safest cities for drunk driving had low DUI arrest rates and fatality scores. The top two - Chandler and Gilbert - are both in Arizona with a total drunk driving score of 7.1 and 10.1, respectively. Arizona's tough enforcement of drunk-driving laws may play a role in placing these cities as the lowest-risk places for drunk driving crashes. Las Vegas also comes in as the third safest city according to the data, likely due to strong law enforcement and plentiful availability of alternative transportation.

Top 10 Safest Cities for Drunk Driving

#1 Chandler, Arizona Total Drunk Driving Score: 7.1

Chandler’s total drunk driving score of 7.1 is reflective of its DUI arrest rate score of 5, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents of 11, and only 4% of traffic deaths involving alcohol. Arizona law enforcement is notoriously tough on drunk drivers, while the city of Chandler itself invests in public safety. Thoughtful road infrastructure may additionally contribute to these metrics.

#2 Gilbert, Arizona Total Drunk Driving Score: 10.1

Another Arizona city, Gilbert, has made the ranking as one of the safest cities in terms of drunk driving in the U.S. With a total drunk driving score of 10.1, it has a DUI arrest rate of 4, drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents of 8, and only 19% of traffic deaths that involve alcohol. Along with Arizona’s strong enforcement of DUI laws, Gilbert has a dedicated traffic unit to keep roads safe while also proactively approaching road safety and awareness.

#3 Las Vegas, Nevada Total Drunk Driving Score: 18.6

Las Vegas may be known as a celebratory city; however, officials provide a strong law enforcement presence to keep residents and tourists safe. The total drunk driving score for Las Vegas is 18.6, with a DUI arrest rate of 1, drunk driving deaths per 100k residents of 21, and 33% of alcohol-involved traffic deaths. In addition to the tough state laws for DUI, this city provides ease of access to other modes of transportation to reduce the likelihood of drunk driving.

#4 Reno, Nevada Total Drunk Driving Score: 18.6

Reno, NV, ranks with an 18.6 total drunk driving score, thanks to a low DUI arrest rate of 22, drunk driving fatalities of 18 per 100k residents, and 16% of traffic deaths involving alcohol. State laws reveal a tough stance on DUI, and Reno additionally takes extra measures beyond enforcement to include education and community initiatives while promoting options for safe transportation.

#5 Chesapeake, Virginia Total Drunk Driving Score: 19.1

The fifth-lowest drunk driving city is Chesapeake, Virginia, with a total drunk driving score of 19.1. The DUI arrest rate of 33, drunk driving fatalities of 14 per 100k residents, and only 12% of traffic deaths involving alcohol have helped it to earn this ranking. Strong police presence and DUI enforcement may be contributing factors in keeping the roads of this city safe and reducing drunk driving fatalities.

#6 Boise City, Idaho Total Drunk Driving Score: 22.2

Boise City, under Idaho’s strict DUI laws, ranks as the sixth safest city for drunk driving risks in America. Its total drunk driving score of 22.2 is based on a DUI arrest rate of 14, drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents of only 6, and 52% of traffic deaths involving alcohol. Quality public transportation options might be one of the reasons that this city has fewer drunk driving deaths.

#7 Seattle, Washington Total Drunk Driving Score: 24.6

Seattle, Washington, may be known as the birthplace of grunge, though it ranks seventh best in the country for drunk driving deaths. With a total drunk driving score of 24.6, it has a DUI arrest rate of 35, drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents of 9, and 35% of traffic fatalities with alcohol involved that have earned it this rating. With a well-developed public transit system, including trains, buses, and ferries, and strong DUI enforcement with a focus on public awareness, Seattle may be seeing lower DUI rates as a result.

#8 Mesa, Arizona Total Drunk Driving Score: 25.1

Mesa, AZ, is one of four Arizona cities that are locked into the U.S. cities with the lowest drunk driving scores. The total drunk driving score is 25.1 based on the DUI arrest rate of 15, drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents of 38, and 18% of traffic deaths involving alcohol. These low figures seem to reveal a trend throughout Arizona based on tough DUI laws and enforcement, along with attention to public awareness measures.

#9 Huntsville, Alabama Total Drunk Driving Score: 27.3

The total drunk driving score of 27.3 for Huntsville, Alabama, was calculated from its DUI arrest rate of 26, drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents of 45, and just 5% of traffic fatalities that involved alcohol. It’s remarkable considering that Huntsville doesn’t have the kind of public transportation system that would explain these rates, though it does have strong enforcement and public education protocols, including designated driver programs that may have led to these low numbers.

#10 Scottsdale, Arizona Total Drunk Driving Score: 27.7

Rounding out the top 10 cities with the least drunk driving deaths is yet another Arizona city, Scottsdale. It has a total drunk driving score of 27.7 based on a DUI arrest rate of 3, drunk driving fatalities per 100k residents of 43, and 32% of traffic deaths involving alcohol. The state’s strong enforcement and education measures are a likely reason why this city joins the other Arizona cities on this list.

DUI Penalties & The Real Cost of a Drunk Driving Charge

In addition to reviewing the data on how many drunk driving accidents per year destroy families across the nation, it is also important to understand the real cost of drunk driving charges. A DUI is a criminal offense. Regardless of what each state calls it, the only difference between DUI and DWI is the terminology. DUI stands for ‘driving under the influence’ while DWI means ‘driving while intoxicated.’

Every state has its own penalties, though on average, a first-time DUI arrest can cost a drunk driver $10,000 or more in fines and legal fees, according to national cost estimates. Along with fines, drivers who are convicted of DUI will have their license suspended and, in some cases, face jail time. Mandatory alcohol education or treatment is often another penalty imposed.

Some states will have mandatory jail time even for a first-time offense, treating it as a serious criminal violation. Others will require community service as part of the sentence. There is also a growing trend for the installation of ignition interlock devices that prevent starting the vehicle if alcohol is detected.

Repeat offenders will face harsher consequences, though despite these measures, many of them get behind the wheel again and again. Meanwhile, innocent victims are the ones who usually bear the worst of the consequences.

Costs of a Drunk Driving Charge

According to a 2024 study, the total economic cost of drunk driving accidents totaled $58 billion. When quality of life losses from injuries or fatalities are factored in, that number rises to $296 billion. In safer cities, it seems vigilance and awareness hold the key to reducing alcohol-related crash deaths by encouraging smarter choices about getting home.

While penalties in the form of fines, jail time, and license suspension may deter many from alcohol-impaired driving, the true costs are often underestimated. There are bail funds that can cost anywhere from $500 to over $3,500, $250 to $750 for towing the vehicle, attorney costs ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, raised insurance premiums as much as $5,000, plus $100 to install an ignition interlock device, not including the monthly monitoring fee.

How to Stay Safe on the Road

In our research, the safest cities in terms of drunk driving had several factors in common. Among those factors, they had strict law enforcement for DUI, were focused on spreading public awareness, and had plentiful availability of transportation options to get residents and visitors alike home safely.

If you live in a high-risk drunk driving area, these tips can help you stay safe:

Combating drunk driving in the most affected areas and drawing inspiration from the safest cities could help reduce these risks for everyone, saving lives throughout the entire nation.

The Cars Most Involved in Drunk Driving Accidents

Our analysis also looked at the most commonly involved cars in fatal drunk driving crashes across these U.S. cities. The national trends reveal that the Ford F-Series pickup trucks were the top vehicle in these incidents. Second to Ford trucks, Harley Davidson motorcycles were next, followed by Chevrolet pickup trucks of all series, including the Silverado.

It isn’t clear exactly why these vehicles are more commonly involved, at least from a regional perspective. They are also the most common types of vehicles involved in the fatal drunk driving crashes in the cities with the lowest drunk driving scores.

It is worth considering that there may be other factors at play. Motorcyclists tend to get a reputation for being riskier, though it’s an unfair assumption that all of them ride while intoxicated. Still, they have a less visible profile, which may make it harder for others to avoid them when an accident is imminent.

As for trucks, they may be behind more fatal drunk driving crashes due to their frame design. This rigid build may transfer more energy upon impact, causing these deaths. Another element of their design can create more blind spots, which may cause even a sober driver to miss a nearby vehicle, leading to catastrophe. Regardless of the vehicles driven, it is clear that drunk drivers do not consider the dire consequences of their actions.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Drunk Driver

In those first moments after a car accident, you likely won’t know if the driver of the other vehicle is intoxicated. Whether the other driver is drunk or not, you should always call 911 to report any accident that results in significant property damage, injuries, or fatalities.

When the police arrive, they will investigate the accident scene. If the other driver is impaired, they will likely place them under arrest. This information will be noted on the police report that is created after they complete their on-scene investigation.

Unfortunately, drunk drivers tend to speed and take reckless actions, which can contribute significantly to the impacts a crash can have. Many victims in drunk driving accidents must be transported to the emergency room via ambulance, and as the statistics reveal, many of them may not survive those injuries.

In the event that you are conscious in the aftermath, you should make sure that you seek immediate medical attention, and if possible, get evidence from the scene, such as photos and videos. You'll need that evidence to file your injury claim with the insurance company.

State laws will vary when assessing fault, though if the other driver was drunk, then they will typically bear the brunt of the blame. Keeping an organized file of your evidence, along with medical bills, medical records, and receipts of all your costs, can help you recover your damages.

As the victim of a drunk driver crash, you may be entitled to recover your medical expenses, including any future medical treatments you might need for your injuries. You’ll also be able to seek medical costs, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. For those who have lost a loved one due to the negligent actions of a drunk driver, a wrongful death claim can help you seek justice. When you are involved in a crash with an impaired driver, it is imperative to contact an attorney who can help you gather the evidence you need, negotiate, and lead the way through your injury claim.

At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we seek justice on behalf of victims involved in DUI-related injury cases. Drunk driving crashes blindside victims and leave them floundering between the pain of their injuries, the emotional impacts, and the financial burdens. We fully understand the turmoil and challenges you face and work to help you recover what you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driver.

Methodology: How We Ranked Cities by Drunk Driving Risk

This study ranks U.S. cities based on drunk driving arrests using the top 100 cities with the most commuter vehicles. We analyzed key metrics, including DUI arrests per 100k residents, motor vehicle fatalities involving alcohol, and the percentage of total traffic deaths linked to impaired driving. Population data was used to normalize city comparisons. Each city received a score from 0 to 100 for each metric, with the combined score determining the overall ranking to give a comprehensive view of which cities are hotspots for drunk driving.

By weighting these various factors, the study provides a balanced assessment of the factors that cause fatal drunk driving crashes. Data for these metrics was sourced from the U.S. Census, ACS, FBI, NIBRS, NHTSA, and FARS to ensure a well-rounded assessment of drunk driving fatalities.

Conclusion: Raising Awareness and Taking Action

Regardless of location, drunk driving remains a serious issue on the roads, and what’s most troubling is that it is entirely preventable. Public safety issues and a lack of enforcement, along with poorly structured roads, continue to fuel these problems, affecting communities nationwide.

We promote the importance of continued education by teaching drivers to make responsible choices to save lives. Stronger support in prevention efforts can help turn these drunk driving hotspots into safer places.

The emotional and financial toll DUI crashes take on victims and their families is truly profound. It has such far-reaching consequences, all because someone decided to behave negligently and get behind the wheel instead of arranging a safe ride home. At Amanda Demanda Injury Lawyers, we encourage you to follow the safety tips we’ve provided and stay informed. If you or a loved one has been affected by a drunk driving incident, reach out to us for legal guidance.