Facts and Laws about Drinking and Driving

It's a sobering thought to know that around 32% of crash fatalitiesApi Public ViewPublication 813560 Crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov on U.S. roads involve a drunk driver. This means about 13,524 deaths are preventable each year, highlighting just how important it is to avoid getting behind the wheel after you've been drinking. 

Drinking and Driving Statistics

In June 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its 2021 Fact SheetApi Public ViewPublication 813450 Crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov. It details key findings about driving under the influence and the impact it has on U.S. roads: 

• Of the total annual crash fatalities involving a drunk driver, 60% of those deaths were the driver. The other 40% accounts for passengers, occupants of other vehicles, and others such as pedestrians and cyclists. 

• Drivers aged 21 to 24 years old and 25 to 34 years old each account for 27% of fatal crashes that involve drunk drivers. 

• For every female driver involved in a fatal alcohol-related crash, there were four male drivers. 

• The authorities consider blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 g/dL intoxicatedTrending Blood Alcohol Level Deaths What You Need Know Defensive DrivingTrending Blood Alcohol Level Deaths What You Need Know Defensive Driving. Drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes often have far higher BAC levels. Around 67% had levels at or above 0.15 g/dL. 

• The weather only plays a small role in drunk driving crash fatalities. About 91% of fatal crashes occurred on clear or cloudy days, while only 7% happened in rainy conditions and 2% in other conditions. 

Laws Against Drinking and Driving

Some states implement stricter penalties on driving under the influence (DUI) related offenses. They're also pretty tough on first-time offenders, and it's not a simple "do better next time" slap on the wrist. Even first-time offenders experience harsh penalties for DUIsTrending Toughest Dui Laws Us Defensive Driving. Here's a look at some of the states that are known for taking a harsh stance on alcohol-related driving violations.

1. Arizona

In 2007, Arizona implemented a law that places first-time offenders under severe restrictionsMvd Services Driver Services Driver Improvement Driving Under Influence Dui Azdot.gov. Here, if you are pulled over for drunk driving and found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, or an alcohol or drug test is not available, you lose your license right away. Then, you must undergo an alcohol or drug screening before you can apply to reinstate your licenseTrending Cost Reinstate Your Drivers License Defensive Driving or receive a restricted permit. 

In addition, first-time offenders are required to receive the following penalties:

• No less than 10 consecutive days in jail

• No less than a $1,250 fine

• Mandatory alcohol screening, education, and treatment

• A mandatory certified ignition interlock deviceLaws Ignition Interlock Device Driving Resources on your vehicle

• Mandatory community service 

2. Oregon

The state of Oregon does not allow individuals charged with DUI to exchange a guilty plea for a lower charge. If you are convicted of a first-time DUI, you can expect strict penaltiesOregon Law What Are The Oregon Dui Laws.html State, including:

• A minimum of 48 hours of jail time (or 80 hours of community service) to a maximum of up to 1 year in jail

• A fine between $1,000 and $6,250

• 1-year license suspension

• Required 1-year ignition interlock device 

3. Massachusettes

The strict drunk driving laws in MassachusettesMassachusetts Law Massachusetts Oui Laws.html State mean that a first-time offender who is 21 years of age or older can expect to receive the following penalties:

• Fines between $500 and $5,000

• Jail time of up to 2.5 years

• Driver's license suspension for 1 year

• Required drug and alcohol education class

• Up to 2 years probation

4. Utah

Utah is one of the few states with a lower blood alcohol content (BAC) thresholdTrending Blood Alcohol Level Deaths What You Need Know Defensive DrivingTrending Blood Alcohol Level Deaths What You Need Know Defensive Driving for a DUI. Unlike most other states in the U.S., which use 0.08% as the legal limit, Utah's limit is 0.05%Drive Sober New 05 Bac Law Highwaysafety.utah.gov. Drivers found guilty of a DUI for the first time face significant penaltiesWp Content Uploads 2021 DUI Statutory Overview.pdf Justice.utah.gov, including:

• A mandatory 2 days in jail or 48 hours of community service, a maximum of 180 days of jail

• A minimum $700 fine, plus surcharges and fees 

• Mandatory drug and alcohol screening, potentially required assessment and education

• Potential for court-ordered treatment or 24/7 sobriety program

• Potential for a required ignition interlock device

5. Ohio 

In Ohio, driving drunk falls under the conviction of Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI). Penalties for first-time convictionsBoards Sentencing Resources 2021OVIchart.pdf Docs may include: 

• 3 to 180 days in jail or a Driver Intervention Program

• Fines of $375 to $1,075

• License suspension of 1 to 3 years

• Probation for up to 5 years 

Protect Yourself from the Dangers of Drunk Driving

One of the best ways to protect yourself from the impacts of drinking and drivingTrending How You Can Protect Yourself Other Impaired Drivers Road Defensive Driving is to commit to never getting behind the wheel if you're less than 100% sober. But sometimes, that's not enough. Even if you're extremely responsible when it comes to not driving under the influence, there's no telling what other drivers may do. 

Our defensive driving courseDefensive Driving can teach you the skills you need to protect yourself and others from dangerous and unexpected driving situations. It's a fun and affordable way to become a better driver. Check it out today!