It’s one of those statistics you hope never to be part of — but every year, drunk driving remains a serious problem across the U.S. Some states see it far more often than others, and the difference can be staggering.
I first noticed it during a cross-country road trip with friends a few years back. Every state felt a little different once the sun went down — in some, the bars were packed and rideshare apps were buzzing all night; in others, you could drive for miles without seeing a single car. It made me wonder: where are people drinking responsibly, and where are they still getting behind the wheel after one too many?
Now, with new data from highway safety reports and state law enforcement, we’ve got a clearer picture of just how wide that gap really is.
Montana
Montana takes the dubious honor of ranking #1 for DUI severity in 2025, with 8.57 drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers. A staggering 43.5% of all traffic deaths involve alcohol.
What’s going on here? Rural roads, long distances between towns, and limited public transportation options create a perfect storm. When your nearest Uber is probably 50 miles away, some folks are making inferior choices about getting home after a night out.
South Dakota – close behind at 81.4
South Dakota ranks #2 for DUI severity in 2025, with 5.52 DUI fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers. There was a brief dip in alcohol-related deaths, but the numbers are climbing again.
The real shocker? South Dakota leads the nation in DUI arrests—879 per 100,000 drivers. Either they’re excellent at enforcement, or impaired driving is alarmingly common. Probably both.
Wyoming – big sky, big problems
DUI rankings place Wyoming near the top for both DUI arrests and fatal alcohol-related crashes. With 8.22 drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers. Despite its sparse population, the state’s long, empty highways can give drivers a false sense of security.
But alcohol impairs judgment no matter the road. With limited transit options and relaxed attitudes in some rural areas, Wyoming’s DUI problem is both cultural and logistical.
North Dakota – oil boom, safety bust
North Dakota ranks high for DUI severity and alcohol-related fatalities. Drunk driving incidents are more common in rural areas, during weekends and late-night hours, and among males aged 21–34, according to CDC and NHTSA data.
The state’s oil boom brought economic prosperity but also contributed to increased alcohol consumption and risky behavior. Apparently, more money in people’s pockets doesn’t automatically translate to better decision-making.
Maine – surprising northeast entry
You might not expect Maine to make this list, but with a severity score of 64.8, it definitely belongs here. Their fatality rate is lower at 3.47 per 100,000 drivers. However, they still have high DUI arrest rates, affecting over 27% of total fatalities.
The Portland Press Herald notes that since 2014, annual traffic fatalities in Maine have increased by 37%, according to a national study by the nonprofit Trip.
Texas – size matters (unfortunately)
Texas scores 63.9 but has a notably high fatality rate of 8.87 per 100,000 drivers. With nearly 40% of total fatalities involving drunk driving, the Lone Star State proves that everything really is bigger there—including the drunk driving problem.
The sheer size of Texas means more total incidents, but that high percentage of alcohol-related deaths shows this isn’t just a numbers game. It’s a cultural issue that needs to be addressed.
Wisconsin and Oregon – tied for trouble
Both Wisconsin (61.7) and Oregon (61.3) round out our unfortunate top seven. Wisconsin has DUI fatalities over 4 per 100,000, while Oregon sits at over 6 per 100,000. Both states see DUI-related crashes making up 31-36% of their road deaths.
Wisconsin’s drinking culture and Oregon’s rural areas both contribute to these concerning statistics. Sometimes, regional traditions and geography work against public safety.
The five states getting it right:
District of Columbia – setting the gold standard
D.C. has the lowest DUI severity score at just 16.5, with only 2.69 DUI-related road fatalities per 100,000 drivers. Urban environments with excellent public transportation make all the difference here.
When you can hop on the metro, grab a rideshare, or walk home, there’s really no excuse for drunk driving. D.C. proves that infrastructure and accessibility are key to prevention.
Massachusetts – Bay State Excellence
Massachusetts defines operating under the influence (DUI) in Chapter 90, Section 24 of its general laws. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher are considered impaired. For those under 21, the legal limit drops to 0.02% under the state’s zero-tolerance policy.
The state’s aggressive law enforcement and educational programs have clearly paid off. When people know they’ll get caught and face serious consequences, they tend to make better choices.
Delaware – a small state with significant safety
Delaware ranks #48 in DUI severity, with just 4.4 DUI-related fatalities per 100,000 drivers. It also has the lowest DUI arrest rate in the country.
The state’s compact size and accessible transportation options make it easier to avoid driving drunk—proof that geography can support safety.
New Jersey and New York – tri-state success
Both New Jersey (33.7) and New York (33.6) report some of the lowest DUI fatality rates, around 2-2.6 deaths per 100,000. Strict enforcement and comprehensive policies have made these states among the safest in the nation.
Dense urban areas, extensive public transportation networks, and aggressive enforcement create an environment where drunk driving is both unnecessary and likely to result in arrest.
Utah – unexpected safety leader
With a severity score of 31.4 and a low DUI fatality rate of about 2.57 per 100,000 drivers, Utah might surprise you. The state’s cultural attitudes toward alcohol consumption definitely play a role here.
Utah’s strict alcohol laws and cultural norms create an environment where drunk driving is less common. Sometimes, social pressure can be a force for good!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
7 Morning Rituals Women Swear By for More Energy and Confidence
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Morning rituals don’t have to be complicated. A glass of water, a quick stretch, five minutes with your journal — these small things stack up to create significant change. Women who build these habits aren’t just “morning people”; they’re people who decided to take charge of their first hour of the day.
6 gas station chains with food so good it’s worth driving out of your way for
6 Gas Station Chains With Food So Good It’s Worth Driving Out Of Your Way For
We scoured the Internet to see what people had to say about gas station food. If you think the only things available are wrinkled hot dogs of indeterminate age and day-glow slushies, we’ve got great, tasty news for you. Whether it becomes part of a routine or your only resource on a long car trip, we have the food info you need.
Let’s look at six gas stations that folks can’t get enough of and see what they have for you to eat.
