Driving under the influence remains a persistent threat on U.S. roadways, but how have DUI fatalities shifted over the past decade? A close look at national data from 2014 through 2023 reveals both stark increases and meaningful declines, depending on the state, and underscores how the pandemic affected roadway safety across the country.
Key Trends: National Increases and Pandemic Spike
Since 2014, fatalities from DUI accidents have increased by an average of 4.9% each year, translating to roughly 47 more deaths nationwide annually. While many states experienced gradual changes, the period between 2019 and 2020 saw the most dramatic spike in the dataset, with 1,150 additional fatalities linked to impaired driving in a single year. By contrast, 2022 to 2023 recorded the largest single-year drop, with 907 fewer deaths from DUI accidents, highlighting the volatility in year-to-year trends.
These numbers illustrate that while overall fatalities are rising slowly on average, individual years, particularly those affected by societal shifts like the pandemic, can see significant swings in road safety outcomes.
Select a state to see its average change:
States Seeing the Biggest Increases in DUI Fatalities
Some states have experienced alarming long-term increases in DUI fatalities over the past decade. Leading the way is Massachusetts, where DUI deaths have risen 26.3% since 2014. Close behind are Vermont (24%) and South Dakota (22.6%), followed by Connecticut, Georgia, Rhode Island, Arkansas, Alaska, Washington, and Maine.
States With the Biggest Decreases in DUI Fatalities
Conversely, a smaller group of states has seen consistent improvements. Only 16 states averaged a decrease in DUI fatalities from 2014 to 2023. Illinois, North Dakota, and Kansas stand out, with declines of 8.1%, 7.0%, and 5.1%, respectively. Other states with reductions include Delaware, Nevada, Nebraska, West Virginia, Ohio, New Hampshire, and Wyoming.
What This Data Means for Drivers
The data makes one thing clear: DUI fatalities remain a serious concern nationwide, but trends are far from uniform. While the U.S. averages 47 more fatalities per year from DUI crashes over the past decade, the impact differs drastically by state. Drivers, communities, and policymakers alike must remain vigilant, emphasizing prevention, awareness, and enforcement to continue reducing these tragic losses.
How Maison Law Can Help
At Maison Law, we understand the devastating impact that DUI accidents can have on individuals and families. Our experienced legal team has guided clients through the complex process of navigating personal injury and accident cases, helping them secure justice and support after life-altering incidents. By staying informed on trends like these, Maison Law empowers communities to make safer choices on the road and ensures that victims of impaired driving have the representation they deserve.
Methodology
We analyzed NHTSA FIRST data to find the number of fatalities caused by people driving under the influence. This analysis includes data from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. from 2014 to 2023.
