What State Has the Most Drunk Drivers?

If you’re looking into which state has the most drunk drivers, Texas had the highest total number of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities in 2024, according to the latest finalized data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The state recorded 1,676 deaths in crashes involving at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

However, that does not necessarily mean Texas has the most impaired drivers overall. Rankings vary depending on whether the data measures total fatalities, fatality rates, DUI arrests, or other indicators of impaired driving.

If an impaired driver injured you, a West Hollywood drunk driving accident lawyer can explain your legal options and your right to seek compensation.

What State Has the Most Drunk Driving Fatalities?

Based on NHTSA’s 2024 data, Texas was the state with the most drunk driving fatalities when measured by total alcohol-impaired-driving deaths. Texas recorded 1,676 such fatalities, followed by California with 1,311 and Florida with 769.

NHTSA classifies a driver as alcohol-impaired for this data when the driver’s BAC is .08 or higher. An alcohol-impaired-driving fatality is a death that occurs in a traffic crash involving at least one driver at or above that BAC level.

That classification does not mean NHTSA has determined that alcohol caused every crash included in the data. It identifies alcohol involvement based on the driver’s BAC.

Which States Have the Highest Drunk Driving Rates?

The answer changes when drunk driving by state is measured as a rate or percentage instead of a raw total.

For 2024, NHTSA reported:

• Texas had the highest total number of alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities, with 1,676.
• Vermont had the highest percentage of traffic fatalities occurring in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, at 41%.
• South Carolina had the highest alcohol-impaired-driving fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, at 0.67.

These figures measure different things. A state can lead in total deaths without having the highest rate because states vary considerably in population, traffic volume, and miles driven.

Why Do Drunk Driving Rankings Differ?

Reports attempting to identify which state has the highest number of drunk drivers do not always use the same data. One study may examine fatal crashes, while another may look at arrest records or rates adjusted for population size.

Common measurements include:

• Total alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities.
• Alcohol-impaired fatalities as a percentage of all traffic deaths.
• Fatality rates based on vehicle miles traveled.
• DUI or DWI arrests.
• Drivers with alcohol involvement in fatal crashes.

The reporting year can also change the rankings. Comparing a recent NHTSA report with an older study can produce different results simply because traffic deaths and driving patterns change from year to year.

How Does NHTSA Measure Alcohol-Impaired Driving?

NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, known as FARS, collects annual data on fatal motor vehicle crashes across the United States. It is a nationwide census of fatal injuries resulting from motor vehicle traffic crashes.

For its alcohol-impaired-driving statistics, NHTSA uses a BAC of .08 or higher. Its 2024 report also notes that BAC test results are unavailable for many drivers involved in fatal crashes, so NHTSA uses a statistical model to estimate missing BAC information.

That limitation is another reason states with the most drunk drivers should not be ranked based on a single statistic without explaining what the data represents.

How Common Is Alcohol-Impaired Driving in the United States?

Alcohol-impaired driving remains a major cause of traffic deaths nationwide. In 2024, 11,904 people were killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes, accounting for 30% of all U.S. traffic fatalities that year.

NHTSA also reported that 20% of drivers involved in fatal traffic crashes in 2024 were estimated to be alcohol-impaired.

These national figures provide context, but they do not determine whether a particular driver was responsible for a crash. Liability in an injury claim depends on the evidence surrounding the collision.

What Should You Do If a Drunk Driver Hits You?

Get medical attention for your injuries and report the collision to law enforcement. If your condition allows, gather information at the scene without putting yourself or anyone else at risk.

Useful evidence may include:

• Photographs and video of the vehicles and crash scene.
• The other driver’s insurance and contact information.
• Names and contact information for witnesses.
• The police report or incident number.
• Medical records and bills.
• Records showing missed work or lost income.
• Communications from insurance companies.

Avoid assuming that a DUI arrest will resolve your injury claim. The criminal proceedings against the driver and your claim for compensation serve different purposes.

Can You File an Injury Claim After a DUI Crash in California?

If an impaired driver caused a collision that injured you, you may have grounds to pursue a personal injury claim based on negligence. A DUI charge or criminal prosecution does not replace the injured person’s civil claim for losses caused by the crash.

Depending on your circumstances, those losses may include medical bills, lost wages, ongoing treatment, emotional harm, and future problems related to the injury. California Courts also recognize negligence, meaning careless conduct that causes injury, as a basis for a personal injury lawsuit.

Evidence from the crash and any related DUI investigation may be relevant to the civil claim. A lawyer can review that evidence, deal with the insurers involved, and determine what compensation you may be able to pursue.

Talk to Omega Law Group After a Drunk Driving Crash

If you were injured in a drunk driving crash, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help you understand how the driver’s impairment, your injuries, and your financial losses may affect your claim.

We have more than 20 experienced attorneys serving personal injury clients, but we take an individualized approach to the people we represent. We also handle personal injury cases on a contingency-fee basis, so you pay zero attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.

If you were injured by a drunk driver, contact Omega Law Group for a free consultation. We are available 24/7 to receive calls from prospective clients, and Spanish-language assistance is available.