United States Department of Transportation
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
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.
Learn More →Enforcement
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
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.
Learn More →Enforcement
Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over
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.
Learn More →Special Activations Within the Next 90 days
Fourth of July | Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving
Fourth of July | Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over (Certain Areas)
Fourth of July | Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over (Certain Areas)
National Enforcement | Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
National Enforcement | Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over
Facts
Drunk driving facts, stats and reports from NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis
Get More Facts & Reports- In 2023, there were 12,429 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 2023 one person was killed every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash on our nation’s roads.
- The rate of alcohol impairment among drivers involved in fatal crashes in 2023 was 3 times higher at night than during the day.
- Males are more likely than females to be driving drunk when involved in fatal crashes — in 2023, 22% of males were drunk, compared to 16% of females.
- For facts translated in Spanish, visit NHTSA.gov/Espanol.
Additional Resources
- Cocktails-to-Go: Talking Points | Social Media Posts
- Open Container: Talking Points | Social Media Posts
- NHTSA Image Library: Alcohol-related images
- NHTSA's Drunk Driving webpage: English | Spanish
- Alcohol-Impaired Driving Countermeasures That Work
- Sign up to get campaign updates via email from Traffic Safety Marketing