Overview of the Study

South Carolina has earned the dubious distinction of being the worst state for drunk driving in the United States, according to a recently published study by the personal injury law group Simmrin. The study minutely analyzed data obtained from the National Traffic and Safety Administration (NTSA), U.S. Census Bureau, and Statista. South Carolina emerged as the state with the highest instances of drunk driving-caused fatalities, amassing a staggering 43%.

Drunk Driving Figures Across the Country

The national average of drunk driving casualties stands at 32%, indicating a stark contrast between South Carolina and the rest of the country. The study focused on crashes precipitated by drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher, which is the federally recognized limit for impaired driving.

As shown in the study, only 22% of Utah’s traffic fatalities were due to drunk driving, placing Utah at the bottom of the list. The study also observed a trend among southern states, with drunk driving being a more probable cause of fatal crashes in the South compared to other regions.

Other States’ Standing in the Study

Texas and New Mexico also ranked poorly in the study, with Texas being the second worst state and New Mexico ranked third in terms of drunk-driving-related deaths as per the Simmrin Law Group’s findings. The data utilized for the study was primarily from 2024.

A Closer Look at Drunk Driving

Drunk driving remains a persistent and major problem despite concerted efforts by law enforcement and other organizations to raise awareness about its devastating effects. In 2018 alone, 10,511 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly a third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, according to the NTSA.

The Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving

There are severe legal consequences for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol, including fines, license suspension, and in some cases, jail time. However, these penalties do not seem to deter some individuals from drinking and driving, pointing to a need for more effective strategies for preventing these tragedies.