A new national study from Siegfried & Jensen has identified the vehicles, states, and age groups most linked to alcohol-impaired driving in the U.S. The findings highlight troubling trends as summer travel and holiday weekends drive an uptick in risky behavior on American roads.
In 2023, there were 40,901 traffic fatalities nationwide, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data—a slight decline from 2022. But 12,429 of those deaths (30%) were alcohol-related, alongside 2.44 million crash injuries.
Trucks Dominate Drunk-Driving Crash Data
Light trucks were involved in more drunk-driving crashes than any other vehicle type, followed closely by passenger cars. Among specific makes, the Chevrolet Silverado led the nation, appearing in drunk-driving crash reports in 22 states, including Texas, Florida, and Georgia.
Other vehicles frequently involved include:
- Ford F-150 – most common in Alabama, Louisiana, and Ohio
- Honda Accord & Civic – dominant in urban states like California, New York, and Maryland
- Nissan Altima – topping crash lists in Virginia, New Jersey, and Tennessee
- GMC Sierra – most common in rural states such as Idaho and Maine
The overlap between these models and the country’s best-selling vehicles suggests that popularity and prevalence, not brand-specific risks, are driving the numbers.
States with the Most Alcohol-Related Crashes
The study also ranked states by alcohol-related crashes in 2023:
- California – 4,644
- Texas – 3,608
- Florida – 1,366
- Georgia – 1,262
- Arizona – 1,006
- North Carolina – 941
- Colorado – 883
- South Carolina – 822
- Washington – 806
- Tennessee – 750
States with the lowest alcohol-related deaths tended to share common traits: stricter DUI laws, stronger enforcement, cultural attitudes discouraging impaired driving, and more robust public transportation networks.
Who Is Driving Drunk?
The study found that Millennials and Gen Zers account for the highest proportion of drunk drivers. Despite widespread education campaigns, these groups often underestimate risks or overestimate their ability to drive safely.
Key demographic findings include:
- Men are three times more likely than women to drive drunk, making up 73% of alcohol-related crashes.
- Younger men are especially overrepresented in pickup truck-related crashes, where heavy drinking, long rural commutes, and fewer public transit options converge.
- Generationally, those between 21 and 45 years old are most often involved in alcohol-related crashes.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Experts urge drivers to stay alert—especially during summer months and late-night hours when drunk-driving incidents spike.
Defensive driving measures include:
- Keep a distance from vehicles that are swerving, braking erratically, or driving inconsistently.
- Avoid passing suspected impaired drivers.
- Create space and slow down if another car shows warning signs.
- Report dangerous driving to the authorities.
“Defensive driving isn’t just smart—it can be life-saving,” said a spokesperson for Siegfried & Jensen. “The data makes clear which vehicles, demographics, and regions are most at risk. Awareness is the first step in preventing more tragedies.”
