2023 U.S. Data
In 2023, about how many people in the United States died in alcohol-impaired (drunk-driving) traffic crashes?
12,429
In 2023, which age group had the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes?
21- to 24-year-olds
What are three major mental or physical abilities alcohol impairs that make driving dangerous? (list any three)
Thinking/reasoning, coordination, reaction time
What is one effective step to avoid impaired driving after a night out?
Designate a sober driver before drinking
Myth or Reality: Coffee, cold showers, or fresh air can sober someone up enough to drive safely.
Myth. Only time lowers Blood Alcohol Content.
On average in 2023, about how many Americans died each day because of drunk-driving crashes?
34 people per day
For every female drunk driver involved in a fatal crash in 2023, how many male drunk drivers were involved? (ratio)
Four males for every female
True or False: Driving after drinking only puts the driver at risk, not passengers or others on the road.
False — impaired driving risks all passengers, other drivers, and pedestrians
Name one safe alternative to driving if someone has been drinking.
Rideshare, taxi, public transportation, staying overnight, etc.
Myth or Reality: Someone who “feels fine” might still be impaired.
Reality. Impairment starts before you notice it.
In 2023, alcohol-impaired driving deaths made up about what percent of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S.?
30%
Among motorcycle riders killed in 2023, what percent had a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher?
26%
Why are holiday seasons like December especially risky for impaired driving crashes? (two reasons)
More travel and celebrations, more alcohol use, more night driving
True or False: It is safe to drive if you only had “a little bit” of alcohol.
False — even small amounts impair thinking, coordination, reaction time
Myth or Reality: You can judge whether someone is safe to drive just by looking at them.
Myth. You cannot reliably tell someone’s BAC by appearance.
In 2023, how often (on average) did an alcohol-impaired-driving fatality occur in the U.S.? (time interval)
Every 42 minutes
Of children (age 14 and under) killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2023, what fraction were in drunk-driving crashes?
25% of child fatalities in crashes were in drunk-driving crashes
What long term effect can impaired driving crashes have beyond physical injury?
Emotional trauma for victims and families, legal and financial consequences
Before someone drinks, what plan should they make to ensure safe travel home?
Choose a sober driver or plan alternate transportation ahead of time
Myth or Reality: Prescription drugs can impair driving even if they are taken legally.
Reality. Many medications affect alertness and coordination.
Since 2014, by what approximate percent has the drunk-driving fatality rate per 100,000 population decreased nationally?
41% decline from 1991
In fatal crashes involving drunk drivers, individuals with BAC .08 or higher were how many times more likely to have prior DUI convictions compared to drivers with no alcohol?
6 times more likely
One person dies in a drunk-driving crash about every how many minutes in 2023?
Every 42 minutes
Community and awareness efforts aim to reduce drunk-driving fatalities by doing what two things?
Educating people about risks and promoting responsible behavior/alternatives
Myth or Reality: A person is “safe” to drive if they only drank alcohol but didn’t use any drugs.
Myth. Alcohol alone slows reaction time and affects judgment.