Labor Day driving warning — California is one of the worst states for drunk driving fatalities
As Labor Day approaches, California ranks as the ninth most dangerous state for intoxicated driving, with 16.4 percent of fatal crashes involving impaired drivers.
Montana and Vermont also pose significant risks for Labor Day travelers, with alarmingly high rates of impaired driving fatalities.
The findings are based on the latest figures from the NHTSA.
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers highlight the critical need for stronger measures to combat intoxicated driving during high-risk holiday periods.
As Labor Day approaches, a new analysis by injury lawyers Bader Scott reveals the US states with the highest rates of drivers under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication involved in deadly crashes, according to the latest figures from the NHTSA.
With increased road travel and higher levels of alcohol consumption, there is an increased risk of impaired driving during the Labor Day weekend. This risk is exacerbated in some states where the high rates of DUI-related car accidents already far exceed the national average.
According to the most recent data, California is ninth on the list of states with the highest rate of deadly DUIs, with 16.4% of fatal crashes involving impaired drivers — 39 percent higher than the national average (11.8 percent).
Montana is first, with nearly one-third of deadly crashes involving intoxicated drivers (32.5 percent). Vermont is second at 26.5 percent, which is 124 percent higher than the US average.
Idaho is the third biggest offender, with nearly one-quarter of fatal crashes involving a driver under the influence (23.8 percent). Colorado is the fourth worst state, with 21.5 percent of deadly collisions involving intoxicated drivers. Delaware is fifth, with 19.7 percent of fatal crashes involving a driver using alcohol or drugs.
Seth Bader, spokesperson for injury lawyers Bader Scott, commented on these findings — “This is a clear reminder that despite efforts to reduce impaired driving, some states still face dangerously high rates, especially during holiday weekends like Labor Day. These alarming statistics should be a call to action.”
While some states exhibit high rates of impaired driving, others report lower percentages of intoxicated drivers in fatal crashes. Virginia stands out as the safest state, with only 3.8 percent of influenced drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Following behind, Missouri has a relatively low percentage of 5 percent, and South Dakota comes in third with 5.1 percent. These states could serve as models for other states looking to improve road safety and reduce impaired driving fatalities.
Between 2018 and 2022, more than a quarter of a million (278,799) drivers were involved in fatal crashes across the United States. Out of these, 30,677 of drivers were found to be under the influence, representing 11 percent of all deadly collisions.
The data indicates a one-fifth (22 percent) increase in impaired driving incidents over a five-year period
2018 — 5,405 impaired drivers in fatal crashes
2019 — 5,289 impaired drivers in fatal crashes
2020 — 6,440 impaired drivers in fatal crashes
2021 — 6,949 impaired drivers in fatal crashes
2022 — 6,594 impaired drivers in fatal crashes
Seth Bader added, “Labor Day should be a time for celebration, but it also brings increased risks on the roads. Our hope is that highlighting this data will spur stronger enforcement measures and greater public awareness to combat impaired driving.
“The stark differences between states also indicate the need for localized strategies to combat impaired driving. Enhanced law enforcement efforts, such as increasing the number of sobriety checkpoints in drink and drug driving hot spots, could be the way forward.
“Public awareness campaigns can also go a long way in educating local communities about the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence. It won’t take just one solution but a combination of education, enforcement, and better support systems that will make a real difference.”
