Delaware reports lowest drunk-driving arrest rate in the nation

Despite the known risks, drunk driving remains prevalent across the U.S., with more than 1 million arrests annually. (Photo by Burak The Weekender)

As drunk driving remains a deadly and persistent issue across the United States, new data reveals Delaware is leading the nation in prevention, with the lowest number of DUI arrests per capita.

According to a national analysis of drunk-driving statistics, Delaware reports just 43 drunk-driving arrests per 100,000 drivers, placing it at the very bottom of the list for DUI rates. That figure stands in stark contrast to states like South Dakota (879 arrests per 100,000 drivers) and North Dakota (833), which lead the nation in DUI arrests and are labeled as the country’s “drunk-driving capitals.”

Other low-ranking states include Illinois (70), Florida (94), and Louisiana (116). While every state has laws banning driving under the influence, the data suggests that enforcement, public awareness, access to transportation, and state-specific programs all play a role in how often drunk driving occurs.

Officials in Delaware say they are encouraged by the ranking but remain focused on prevention. Jeffrey Horvath, Deputy Director of the Delaware Office of Highway Safety, stated that the state is proud to see its efforts reflected in the data, but emphasized that the work is far from over.

“It is very encouraging that Delaware has one of the lowest DUI rates in the nation when comparing arrests per 100,000 drivers,” said Horvath. “However, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety believes that even one impaired driver on our roadways is far too many. Impaired driving is a very serious issue that endangers lives, causes preventable crashes, and devastates families and communities across our state.”

Horvath emphasized the agency’s ongoing efforts. “The Delaware Office of Highway Safety is committed to the mission of reducing impaired driving through enforcement, education, and outreach to keep our roads safe for everyone.”

The dangers of drunk driving

Nationwide, 37 people die every day from drunk-driving crashes—that’s about one death every 39 minutes. Each year, over 13,000 lives are lost, and 300,000 people are treated in emergency departments due to alcohol-impaired driving injuries.

Despite the known risks, drunk driving remains prevalent across the U.S., with more than 1 million arrests annually and 1 in every 50 American drivers caught under the influence over the past five years. States with large rural populations tend to report higher rates, partly due to less access to public transit and fewer sobriety checkpoints.

Many states are turning to ignition interlock devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected, to combat repeat offenses. These devices are now mandatory for DUI offenders in 34 states and have been shown to reduce repeat drunk driving by 67%.

Fourth of July weekend reminder: Use Sober Ride Programs

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches—a time when alcohol-related crashes often spike—Delaware’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is once again offering its Sober Rides program to encourage safe travel and prevent impaired driving.

Through the initiative, Delawareans can claim free ride-share vouchers worth up to $20 for use on Uber or Lyft during the holiday.

OHS encourages everyone to plan ahead and use the free voucher if they’re celebrating with alcohol: “There’s no excuse for driving impaired when a safe, free ride is just a few clicks away.”