Every year, thousands of people die on U.S. roads due to vehicle accidents – with a large portion of those deaths down to alcohol-impaired drivers. But which vehicles are most often involved in drunk-driving accidents?
Our new study will reveal the answers and will consider the age range of the highest percentage of drunk drivers. We’ll also reveal the states in which most drunk-driving incidents occur, plus tips for avoiding crashes if you’re a driver as the busy summer months loom.
Drunk Driving Fatality Numbers
According to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data, in 2023 there were 40,901 deaths due to vehicle crashes in the U.S. – a 4.6% decrease on 2022 figures (42,521 fatalities). A further 2.44 million people were injured across 6.14 million police-reported traffic crashes.
12,429 of those fatalities (30% of all fatalities) were due to drunk driving, with drivers of light trucks involved in the most alcohol-related accidents (4,946) followed by drivers of passenger cars (4,505), motorcyclists (1,668) and drivers of large trucks (187).
However, some vehicle brands are more likely to feature drunk drivers than others. Analysis of NHTSA study data reveals the following 10 vehicles as those most involved in alcohol-related crashes.
Which Types Of Car Are Most Often In Drunk-Driving Crashes?
That list of vehicles most often involved in drunk-driving crashes closely aligns with the broader list of most popular vehicles in the U.S, from which here are the top 10:
So, with six of the 10 best-selling car brands featured in the top 10 drunk-driving crash statistics table (Chevrolet Silverado (1,054 drunk-driving accidents), Ford F–150 (838), Honda Accord (645), Honda Civic (643), and Toyota Camry (627), Nissan Altima (505) and GMC Sierra (417) the confluence of the two factors is clear.
And this overlap suggests that crash frequency is often tied to vehicle popularity and the number of vehicles on the road, rather than brand-specific risk.
The Drunk-Driven Cars That Feature Most Often Across States
In terms of the cars topping alcohol-related car crash lists across the highest number of states, the Chevy Silverado appears in 22 out of 50, more than any other vehicle. It’s also the vehicle most involved in drunk-driving incidents in major states like:
- Texas (77 incidents)
- Florida (20)
- Georgia (20) and
- Indiana (13)
As study data suggests, these numbers likely reflect both the Silverado’s enormous popularity as a full-size pickup, and its prevalence in rural and suburban regions, where drunk-driving crash rates tend to be higher.
The Ford F-150 is involved in most drunk-driving crashes across 8 states, including Alabama, Louisiana, Ohio, and Colorado. These are also popular truck states, which augments the connection between pickup truck drivers and drunk-driving incidents in many areas.
The Honda Accord leads the number of drunk-driving incidents in urban states like California, New York, Maryland, and North Carolina. Hondas such as Accords and Civics are also popular among younger drivers, in alignment with statistics that confirm the age groups (21–45) most often involved in drunk-driving accidents.
Fifth-placed on the overall drunk-driving list Nissan (and its Altima) is highest on the drunk-driving crash list in Connecticut, Tennessee, Virginia, and New Jersey, indicative of its prevalence in the mid-Atlantic region; the GMC Sierra leads drunk-driving crash statistics in several mountain and rural states like Idaho, Maine, and New Mexico.
Vehicles that emphasise anomalous local trends, and which make one-off prominent appearances on drunk-driving crash lists, include the BMW 328i (Rhode Island), the Acura MDX (Hawaii), and the Hyundai Sonata (Utah).
The States That Feature Most Drunk-Driving Crashes and Deaths
Study data shows that car popularity is a highly pertinent factor in terms of which vehicles are involved in drunk-driving accidents; it also tells us that the factors determining which states feature the most alcohol-related crashes are more complicated.
They include issues like the percentage of young people, general alcohol consumption rates, the effectiveness of drunk driving law and enforcement, cultural prevalences, and political stance.
Here are the 10 states in 2023 that featured the most alcohol-related crashes.
- 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
Here’s the list of the 10 states that featured the most alcohol-related driving fatalities for the same year. The lists are broadly similar, with some discrepancies.
On a different note, the following list shows the ten states featuring the least alcohol-related vehicle deaths. The reasons for the low numbers cover a host of factors, including stricter laws and stronger enforcement, a culture that comparatively discourages drinking and driving so less statewide alcohol consumption, and an extensive range of effective public transport options.
The Age Group Most Likely to Drunk-Drive
Analysis of study data reveals that Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Zers (born between 1997 and 2012) lead drunk driving rates.
This trend is attributed to factors such as inexperience, overconfidence, and a tendency to underestimate the risks of driving while under the influence. Despite growing up as beneficiaries of extensive education covering the dangers of drunk driving, Millennials and Gen Zers continue to engage in risky, illegal driving.
One proposed measure to lessen the issue is stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to encourage safer driving habits among younger drivers.
As well as generational disparities, there are also key differentials regarding gender driving habits. Men – responsible for 73.2% of alcohol-related crashes are three times more likely to be involved in drunk-driving accidents than women drivers.
Analysis of study data puts this wide gender gap down to a mix of risky, testosterone-driven behavior, and social gender stereotypes that make it easier for men to drive more aggressively than women, and drive more miles.
Study data also confirms that men and younger men in particular are more prone to heavy drinking and overconfidence behind the wheel.
Additionally, men are far more likely to drive drunk behind the wheel of a pickup truck. Vehicles like the Chevy Silverado and Ford F-150 are top sellers among men, especially in rural and suburban areas where public transportation is limited and a rideshare isn’t always available.
Combine these factors with the aforementioned higher rates of binge drinking, overconfidence, risk-taking behavior, and the masculine stereotype associated with trucks, and it’s perhaps unsurprising that a far higher percentage of men make dangerous driving decisions.
Of 2023’s 12,429 alcohol-related vehicle crashes, light trucks such as the Silverado and F-150 were involved in more alcohol-related crashes (4,946) than any other type of vehicle, including passenger cars (4,505) and motorcycles (1,668).
What You Can Do To Avoid A Road Collision
While driving, if you spot vehicles like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, or Toyota Camry on the road especially during a late-night or weekend drive it’s best to stay alert.
ince these vehicles are statistically associated with the highest number of drunk-driving-related accidents – not to say that every driver behind the wheel of one of those vehicles is under the influence – you should maintain a heightened focus on what else is on the road.
When it comes to all types of vehicles: keep a safe distance, and watch for anomalous behavior: swerving, erratic braking, or inconsistent speed which can all signal inebriated driving.
If you’re near a vehicle that’s driving suspiciously, don’t engage or try to pass it. Instead, slow down, create room between you and the vehicle in question, and report dangerous driving to local authorities if necessary. Defensive driving isn’t just smart: it’s potentially life-saving.
At Siegfried & Jensen, we’re car and truck accident experts. Get in touch with us today if you need any help.