Related: Mass. Enacts Hands-Free Law
Study Ranks States with Worst DUI Problems
Wyoming has the worst drunk driving problem in the country, scoring highest among all states for its DUI arrest rate and DUI fatalities per 100,000 population.

There were 3,432 people who were arrested for driving under the influence in Wyoming in 2018, this was the most of any state for that year.
Photo via Flickr/QuoteInspector.com
Wyoming has the worst drunk driving problem in the country, scoring highest among all states for its DUI arrest rate and DUI fatalities per 100,000 population, according to a new study from Background Checks.
Specifically, in 2018, 3,432 people were arrested for driving under the influence in Wyoming — a DUI arrest rate of 676.10. Moreover, 34 people in Wyoming lost their lives to drunk drivers, representing 30% of all traffic deaths in the state.
South Dakota ranked second on the worst DUI states list with 5,891 DUI arrests and 45 DUI fatalities, representing 35% of all roadway deaths in 2018.
Other states that ranked among the top five for worst DUI problems include Montana with 3,794 DUI arrests and 70 fatalities, North Dakota (5,136 arrests/29 fatalities), and Mississippi (5,370 arrests/163 fatalities).
In terms of regions of the country, the south proved to be deadliest for drunk driving. In fact, seven of the 12 states with the highest DUI death rates — South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and North Carolina — are Southern states.
Other noteworthy findings from the study include the fact that Montana has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths — 43% — followed by Texas at 40%.
New Hampshire experienced the greatest percentage increase in DUI fatalities in 2018, posting a considerable 77.80% increase over 2017.
Finally, Massachusetts ranks as the state with the drunk driving problem of overall least concern, boasting both the 3rd lowest DUI arrest rate and the 3rd lowest DUI death rate.
Read more about the study here.
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 →
