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Drunk Driving

About

Drunk driving prevention messaging is essential to any road safety communication plan. 

We offer communication resources, in English and Spanish, for year-round social norming messaging and messaging to be used during enforcement periods. While both enforcement and social norming campaigns help spread awareness and educate the public about the deadly consequences of drunk driving, it's important to understand the differences — and use the right communication material at the right time.  

Social Norming

Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving

This campaign runs year-round, when high-visibility enforcement is not taking place, and focuses on social norming as a way of deterring people from drinking and driving.

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Enforcement

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

This high-visibility enforcement campaign runs during specific times of the year. Messaging should include the consequences of drunk driving and be supported by increased law enforcement.

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Enforcement

Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over

This high-visibility enforcement campaign is specific to motorcyclists and runs during specific times of the year. Messaging should include the consequences of an arrest and be supported by increased law enforcement.

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Special Activations Within the Next 90 days

Facts

Drunk driving facts, stats and reports from NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis

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  • In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in drunk-driving crashes.
  • Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs at or above .08 g/dL).
  • Although it’s illegal to drive when impaired by alcohol, in 2021 one person was killed every 39 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads.
  • The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2021 was 2.8 times higher at night than during the day.
  • Males are more likely than females to be driving drunk when involved in fatal crashes in 2021, 22% of males were drunk, compared to 17% of females.

    For facts translated in Spanish, visit NHTSA.gov/Espanol.

Additional Resources