Drunk driving remains one of the most preventable causes of death and injury on U.S. roads — yet new crash data from Siegfried & Jensen reveals that a relatively small number of states are responsible for a large share of alcohol-related collisions.
In 2023, California recorded 4,644 alcohol-related crashes, the highest in the nation. Texas followed with 3,608, while Florida (1,366), Georgia (1,262), and Arizona (1,006) completed the top five. Taken together, these states account for a major portion of the national total, underscoring how population size, traffic volume, and regional factors all combine to drive risk.
The full top 10 states with the highest DUI crash totals in 2023 were:
- California – 4,644
- Texas – 3,608
- Florida – 1,366
- Georgia – 1,262
- Arizona – 1,006
- North Carolina – 918
- Colorado – 879
- South Carolina – 840
- Washington – 801
- Tennessee – 777
Why the Totals Don’t Tell the Whole Story
On the surface, it’s easy to assume that the largest states by population will naturally see the most DUI crashes. But a closer look shows that population is only part of the equation. When adjusted for population size, several mid-sized states on the list still report strikingly high per-capita crash rates.
Contributing factors include:
- Expansive Road Networks – More miles of highway mean more opportunities for impaired driving.
- Tourism-Driven Traffic – Florida, Arizona, and Colorado see seasonal surges of out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with local conditions.
- Urban-Nightlife Hubs – Major cities like Los Angeles, Houston, and Miami concentrate nightlife and late-night travel.
- Cultural Drinking Patterns – Regional norms around alcohol use play a significant role in driving behaviors.
Enforcement and Prevention
High crash totals do not necessarily reflect weak DUI laws. In fact, many of these states have tough enforcement programs, but prevention remains the greater challenge.
- California operates year-round sobriety checkpoints, yet its sheer traffic density keeps totals high.
- Texas enforces strict penalties, but long rural distances and a strong driving culture contribute to the problem.
- Colorado and Washington combine strong laws with active patrols, but tourism-driven spikes still push them onto the list.
The lesson: enforcement alone can’t eliminate the issue. Efforts must also target prevention before people get behind the wheel.
Geography and Infrastructure Matter
Where people live and how they travel makes a difference in DUI risk.
- Rural Regions – With limited or no public transit, driving often becomes the only option after drinking.
- Urban Congestion – Dense traffic makes impaired driving even more dangerous, with higher odds of multi-vehicle crashes.
- Weather and Climate – States with warm weather year-round may see more late-night driving, while harsher climates can suppress traffic during winter months.
Expert Insight
“These numbers make it clear that reducing drunk driving isn’t just about penalties — it’s about giving people safer alternatives,” said a Siegfried & Jensen spokesperson. “From expanding transportation options to building community partnerships, states need solutions that change behaviors before tragedy strikes.”
Policy Solutions That Could Help
The analysis points to several practical measures that states can adopt to reduce alcohol-related crashes:
- Ride-Share Incentives – Discounted or subsidized ride programs during peak DUI hours.
- Late-Night Transit Options – Extending bus or rail service beyond bar closing times.
- Community Sobriety Campaigns – Business partnerships to encourage safe travel.
- Data-Driven Enforcement – Using crash data to focus patrols where risks are highest.
Each of these strategies tackles the issue from a prevention-first perspective, while still supporting law enforcement efforts.
The Bigger Picture
The top 10 states may record the highest crash totals, but the same underlying challenges — cultural attitudes toward alcohol, sprawling road networks, and limited transit choices — exist nationwide.
Reducing DUI crashes will require approaches tailored to each state’s unique mix of geography, culture, and infrastructure. By focusing attention on the states with the greatest burdens, experts say there’s a clear opportunity to save thousands of lives and prevent countless injuries every year.
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