Alcohol-Related Crash Fatalities by State Over the Last 10 Years
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is one of the most common causes of deadly crashes in the United States. Even though people understand the dangers of drunk driving and the consequences they may face if they are arrested for DUI, many continue to get behind the wheel while impaired. Thousands of people are killed every year in drunk driving accidents.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, the number of fatal car accidents has increased over the last 10 years. In 2023, the most recent year for which data is available, there were 40,901 fatalities in car accidents. This was an increase of around 25% from 2014, when there were 32,744 fatalities in car crashes. The rate of fatal car accidents during this time has been around 30% each year, and the number of fatalities involving drunk driving increased from 9,943 to 12,429.
Top 10 States With the Most Alcohol-Related Traffic Fatalities
According to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the states where the highest number of drunk driving fatalities occurred are:
- Texas: 2,840 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 2,431 in 2014
- California: 2,247 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 1,479 in 2014
- Florida: 1,395 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 1,178 in 2014
- Ohio: 766 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 523 in 2014
- Georgia: 720 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 464 in 2014
- Arizona: 712 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 39 in 2014
- North Carolina: 691 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 622 in 2014
- Illinois: 671 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 508 in 2014
- Tennessee: 599 fatalities in 2023, which increased from 468 in 2014
- Pennsylvania: 537 fatalities in 2023, which decreased from 597 in 2014
Why Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes Are So Dangerous
Alcohol affects a person’s judgment, the time they need to react and respond to changing conditions on the road, their ability to see what is happening around them, and their ability to maintain control over the movements of their body. A driver who is intoxicated may engage in unsafe behavior like speeding or running red lights, they may drift between lanes without realizing it, or they may be unable to react in time to the movements of other vehicles or pedestrians. All of these factors can combine to lead to deadly car accidents.
Criminal Responsibility for Drunk Driving Fatalities
A person who causes a fatal crash while under the influence of alcohol may face serious criminal charges. The exact charges will depend on the facts of the case, but they could be charged with DUI, aggravated DUI, or intoxication manslaughter. The penalties for a conviction may include prison time, large fines, driver’s license revocation, and more. Prior DUI convictions, high blood alcohol levels, or other factors could also lead to increased criminal charges.
Civil Liability After a Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
Criminal charges are handled separately from civil claims related to injuries in drunk driving accidents. Regardless of whether a driver is prosecuted or convicted for DUI, vehicular manslaughter, or other charges, the surviving family members of a person killed in a DUI accident may pursue a wrongful death claim. They may take steps to obtain compensation for funeral costs, lost income, medical expenses, loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and other damages.
Evidence That May Matter in Fatal DUI Accident Cases
A detailed investigation can be performed after a DUI accident to obtain important evidence of negligence. This evidence may include police reports, toxicology results, accident reconstruction, footage from security cameras or traffic cameras, and witness statements. A personal injury attorney may take steps to gather the necessary evidence, determine how a crash occurred, and demonstrate that a drunk driver was responsible for causing a victim’s death.
Attorney Jason Burress, a personal injury lawyer, explains:
“In fatal drunk driving cases, families will be looking for answers about how a crash happened and how a person who drove while intoxicated can be held responsible for their reckless actions. A successful wrongful death claim can help a family secure the resources they need to address the financial losses and other forms of harm that a drunk driver has caused.”
The Lasting Impact of Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes
Behind the statistics related to drunk driving fatalities are lives that have been lost, families that have been changed, and crashes that should have been prevented. When drunk driving leads to fatal accidents, families may struggle to deal with emotional trauma, financial difficulties, and questions about what happened. A personal injury attorney can help families understand their legal options and the steps they can take to obtain financial compensation for a loved one’s wrongful death.