Drunk Driving Statistics

Between 1991 and 2008, the rate of alcohol impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 population has decreased 38% nationally, and 55% among those under 21. These statistics and others are positive indicators of the gains being made to fight drunk driving, and while The Century Council cannot claim to be the sole influence in these reductions, it is likely we have played a significant role in reaching record low levels.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 37,261 people died in traffic crashes in 2008 in the United States (latest figures available), including an estimated 11,773 people who were killed in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater).

As a leader in the fight against drunk driving, more than a decade ago, we took a leadership role in identifying the hardcore drunk driving problem and have highlighted research, strategies, and programs for the swift identification, certain punishment, and effective treatment of these deadly offenders. Through our National Hardcore Drunk Driving Project, we track data and statistics from a variety of sources, highlight successful strategies, tactics and programs that can be implemented by judges across the nation and undertake our own research in an effort to advance a policy agenda designed to fight hardcore drunk driving.