Drunk driving isn’t just reckless—it’s devastating. In an instant, a routine drive can turn into a tragedy, leaving families to deal with the heartbreaking consequences of someone else’s poor choice.
What’s even more concerning? In certain cities across the U.S., deadly drunk driving crashes happen far too often. Many of these involve drivers whose blood alcohol levels are well over the legal limit, making the roads even more dangerous for everyone around them.
In our recent report, we dug into data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to uncover the 75 U.S. Cities with the Highest Rate of Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents. Let’s talk about where the problem is worst, why it keeps happening, and what you can do if a drunk driver has hurt you or someone you love.
Which Cities Have the Worst Drunk Driving Death Rates?
Drunk driving can happen anywhere, but in some places, it’s out of control. Here’s where fatal drunk driving accidents are happening at alarming rates:
Texas – Leading the List
Texas isn’t just big—it also tops the charts for deadly drunk driving crashes. Cities like Odessa, Midland, Dallas, and Houston, report high numbers of impaired driving deaths every year.
Per the study, “The city with the most drunk driving accidents per capita is Odessa, Texas. Between 2018 and 2022, there were a total of 31 drunk driving accidents that resulted in fatalities, amounting to a rate of 27.46 fatal drunk driving accidents per 100,000 residents. Of the 31 drunk driving accidents, 23 were caused by impaired drivers with a blood alcohol content of 0.15% or higher.”
California – A Close Second
With cities like San Bernardino, Corona, and Sacramento on the list, California has consistently reported significant numbers of fatal drunk driving crashes.
Florida – A Major Hotspot
From Jacksonville to Davie to Gainesville, Florida’s major cities continue to report high numbers of drunk driving fatalities.
Arizona – A Surprising Entry
Tucson and Phoenix both rank high for drunk driving-related deaths, placing Arizona among the states with significant crash rates.
Connecticut – A Growing Concern
From Hartford to Waterbury, Connecticut is among the states with some of the highest rates of fatal drunk driving accidents.
Colorado – A Deadly Combination
Several cities in Colorado, including Pueblo, Colorado Springs, Lakewood, and Aurora are among the locations with the highest rates of fatal drunk driving crashes in the U.S.
Why Are These Cities So Dangerous for Drunk Driving?
So, why do some places have more deadly drunk driving crashes than others? A few key possibilities stand out:
- Lack of Public Transportation: If people don’t have a safe way home, they might make the deadly decision to drive drunk.
- Too Many Bars and Clubs: More drinking spots could mean more opportunities for intoxicated driving.
- Weak DUI Enforcement: Some areas may not have enough police to crack down on drunk drivers.
- Dangerous Roads: Dark highways, high-speed limits, and rural areas with slow emergency response times can all make crashes deadlier.
Does any of this sound familiar? If so, it’s not just factors to think about—these are a real threat to you and your loved ones every time you hit the road.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Drunk driving is 100% preventable, but until laws get tougher and people make smarter choices, it’s up to you to stay safe. Here’s how:
- Always Plan a Safe Ride: Uber, Lyft, taxis—use them. If you’re drinking, never assume you’re “okay to drive.”
- Avoid Driving Late at Night: Most drunk driving crashes happen between midnight and 3 a.m. Stay off the roads if you can.
- Be Extra Cautious on Holidays: New Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, and St. Patrick’s Day are some of the deadliest nights for drunk driving crashes.
- Speak Up: If a friend tries to drive after drinking, stop them. It could save a life.
What to Do if a Drunk Driver Hits You
A drunk driving crash can flip your life upside down in seconds. If you or someone you love was hurt by a drunk driver, you have legal rights. You can take action to get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
How a Lawyer Can Help:
- Prove the Other Driver Was Drunk – Lawyers gather police reports, BAC test results, and witness statements to show the driver’s impairment.
- Determine Who’s Responsible – If a bar or restaurant overserved the driver, they might be held accountable, too.
- Fight for Compensation – You could recover money for hospital bills, lost income, and even emotional distress.
- Deal with Insurance Companies – Insurers love to lowball victims. A lawyer fights to make sure you get what you truly need.
- Take the Case to Court if Needed – If the insurance company won’t pay, a lawsuit might be necessary to get justice.
Don’t Handle Your Drunk Driving Accident Claim Alone. Let van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim Help!
Drunk driving occurs too often in many U.S. cities, with Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, Connecticut and Colorado ranking among the worst. But no matter where you live, one thing is clear: These crashes don’t have to happen.
If you or a loved one has been hurt by a drunk driver, don’t wait to take action. You deserve justice. At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we fight for accident victims just like you. Contact us today at 215-486-0123 for a free consultation. Let’s make the roads safer—together.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It should not be considered as legal advice. For personalized legal assistance, please consult our team directly.