Drunk driving crashes don’t just happen—they destroy lives. One moment, everything is fine. The next, you or someone you love is facing unimaginable pain, all because of someone else’s reckless decision to drink and drive.
And here’s something that might shock you: In some U.S. cities, fatal drunk driving accidents are disturbingly common. Even worse? Many of these crashes involve drivers with blood alcohol content (BAC) levels that are double or even triple the legal limit.
In our recent study, we looked at data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to determine the top 75 U.S. Cities with the Highest Rate of Fatal Drunk Driving Accidents so you can see where your city ranks.
Let’s talk about where drunk driving is the worst, why it keeps happening, and what you can do if a drunk driver has hurt you or someone you love.
The Truth About High BAC Levels and Deadly Crashes
We all know that alcohol and driving don’t mix. But just how bad does it get when BAC levels skyrocket? Here’s what happens:
- 0.08% BAC (the legal limit) – Your reaction time is slower, and your concentration is shot.
- 0.10% BAC – It’s harder to control your movements, and staying in your lane becomes a struggle.
- 0.15% BAC and above – Severe impairment. Poor balance. Blurred vision. Zero ability to react quickly. At this level, a driver is a ticking time bomb on the road.
And the worst part? Drivers with BAC levels over 0.15% are responsible for a huge percentage of fatal crashes. They aren’t just a danger to themselves—they put everyone on the road at risk.
The U.S. Cities with the Most Deadly Drunk Drivers
Drunk driving can happen anywhere, but in some places, the problem is out of control. “A study also found that Texas has the most drunk drivers involved in fatal car crashes, with more than 40% of the drivers found to have a BAC level of 0.08 or higher.” Here are some of the worst cities for fatal drunk driving accidents:
- Odessa, TX – 31 fatal crashes; 27.46 per 100,000 residents.
- Pueblo, CO – 20 fatal crashes; 17.94 per 100,000 residents. Many involved BAC levels over 0.15%.
- Tucson, AZ – 60 fatal crashes; 17.04 per 100,000 residents.
- San Bernardino, CA – 40 fatal crashes; 18.15 per 100,000 residents, with a high percentage of drivers well over the legal BAC limit.
- Hartford, CT – 18 fatal crashes; 14.91 per 100,000 residents.
If you live in one of these cities, or anywhere that’s seen too many tragedies from drunk driving, you’re not alone.
Why Are These Cities So Dangerous?
Ever wonder why some cities have higher rates of fatal drunk driving crashes? A few possibilities stand out:
- Limited public transportation options – If people don’t have a safe way home, they might make the terrible decision to drive drunk.
- Too many bars and nightclubs – More places to drink often mean more chances for someone to get behind the wheel after drinking.
- Weak DUI enforcement – If police aren’t cracking down on drunk drivers, more of them stay on the road.
- Dangerous road conditions – Rural areas may be especially risky, with dark roads, higher speed limits, and longer emergency response times.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s because these aren’t just numbers—they’re real dangers that put people like you and your loved ones at risk every day.
What to Do if a Drunk Driver Hurts You
Getting hit by a drunk driver can turn your life upside down. If you or someone you love was hurt, you have the right to take legal action and get money to help with medical bills, lost wages, and pain. It might seem confusing, but a lawyer can help make things easier.
How a Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you have legal options to seek justice and compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the process of filing a claim against the negligent driver by:
Finding Proof
- Collecting police reports and talking to witnesses
- Checking the drunk driver’s blood alcohol level
Showing Who’s Responsible
- Proving the drunk driver was at fault
- Seeing if a bar or restaurant served them too much alcohol
Figuring Out What You’re Owed
- Covering hospital bills and other medical costs
- Getting money for lost wages if you can’t work
- Compensating you for pain and stress
Dealing with Insurance Companies
- Making sure you don’t get a low offer
- Fighting for the full amount you need
Going to Court If Needed
- Filing a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t pay enough
- Standing up for you in front of a judge if necessary
Let’s Get You the Justice You Need After a Drunk Driving Accident in Pennsylvania
If you’ve been hurt by a drunk driver in Philadelphia or the surrounding area, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the better your chances of holding them accountable and getting the compensation you need.
At van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim, we fight for accident victims just like you. We know what it takes to win—and we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Let’s talk. Contact us today at 215-486-0123 for a free consultation. It’s time to fight back against drunk drivers and make our roads safer for everyone.
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.