Related: Poll: 22% of Americans Admit to Driving When They Think They Drank Too Much
Drunk Driving Fatalities Increased 14% in 2020
Some 11,654 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes — the highest number linked to alcohol use since 2008, according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

In 2020, alcohol-related crash fatalities hit the highest number the nation has seen since 2008.
Photo via pexels.com/energepic.com
Alcohol-impaired-driving fatalities rose 14% from 2019 to 2020, accounting for 30% of 2020 overall fatalities, according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Some 11,654 people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes — the highest number linked to alcohol use since 2008. Ironically, while alcohol-related fatalities spiked in 2020, vehicle miles traveled decreased by 11% due in large part to the pandemic.
NHTSA’s report also identifies the types of vehicles involved in drunk driving crashes. Drivers of nearly all vehicle types — cars, SUVs, pickups, motorcycles, and large trucks — saw increases in the number of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes from 2019 to 2020. The one exception was van drivers, where alcohol-impaired fatal crashes decreased 13%.
Passenger car drivers had the largest number increase — 703 — in alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes from 2019 to 2020. SUV drivers had the second largest number increase with 176.
The report also points out that in 2020 45% of traffic deaths involved at least one of three hazardous behaviors: impaired driving, speeding, or not wearing a seat belt. What’s more, there were 1,638 passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes who were simultaneously unrestrained, alcohol-impaired, and speeding — a 21% increase from 1,357 in 2019.
More Safety

Stellantis Recalls 1.3 Million Jeep Vehicles Worldwide Over Fire Risk
Stellantis is recalling more than 1.3 million Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator models worldwide over a fire risk linked to power steering pump wiring.
Read More →
Coaching Is Not Training, Even When AI Is Doing It
AI-powered safety platforms can detect risky behaviors and deliver immediate feedback. But effective driver development still requires a foundation of training followed by coaching that reinforces those skills.
Read More →
How Emotions Behind the Wheel Can Affect Fleet Safety
During National Safety Month, fleets are encouraged to look beyond distracted driving and recognize how stress, fatigue, and emotional well-being influence driver performance and crash risk.
Read More →
Nominations Open for 2026 Fleet Safety Award
Nominations have officially opened for the 2026 Fleet Safety Award Winner.
Read More →
Turning Connected Vehicle Data Into Decisions That Matter
Fleet leaders have more data than ever, but turning that data into clear, actionable decisions remains a challenge. This white paper shows how leading organizations are using connected vehicle data to improve safety, reduce costs, and optimize fleet performance. Learn how to turn insight into action across your fleet.
Read More →
Cameras, Safety and Insurance: From Reactive Claims to Real-time Prevention
Commercial auto remains one of the most challenging and costly lines of coverage for fleet operators and insurers alike. Learn more about how to effectively address these issues from Onur Aksan, Enterprise Business Development Executive, Geotab.
Read More →
NAFA Fleet Safety Symposium to Collocate With 2026 Fleet Forward Conference
The daylong certificate program will precede the Fleet Forward Conference at the Gaylord National Harbor in Maryland.
Read More →
The Distractions You Can’t Turn Off: What Drivers Face Outside the Vehicle
Fleet drivers face constant visual, cognitive, and environmental interruptions the moment they hit the road. From roadside chaos to mental fatigue and digital overload, today’s biggest driving risks often come from outside the vehicle itself.
Read More →
FLASH Weather AI Launches First Deep-Learning Hail Prediction Model With High-Resolution Forecasting
FLASH Weather AI has launched a first-of-its-kind hail prediction model capable of forecasting hail size and arrival time at 1-kilometer resolution up to 55 minutes ahead, giving fleets and insurers critical time to prepare for severe storms.
Read More →
How Coca-Cola United Protects Its Fleet from Growing Legal Risk
As litigation risk rises, vehicles are increasingly targeted. This Coca-Cola bottler shares how it’s reducing exposure through driver training, technology, and a proactive risk management approach.
Read More →
