DUI Accident Statistics in California
Driving under the influence, or DUI, is a significant problem that takes thousands of lives each year. Alcohol-impaired driving is a dangerous and reckless decision that can result in life-changing car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 37 people die per day in drunk driving accidents. California is consistently one of the top states in terms of drunk driving collisions.
California DUI Arrest Statistics
It is against the law to drive under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs in all 50 states. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level in California is 0.08 percent. However, even a lower BAC could signal an intoxicated driver and result in a car accident or DUI arrest. The penalties for a DUI conviction in California include jail time, fines and driver’s license suspension.
According to a report published by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, 124,141 individuals were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in 2019. These arrests resulted in 88,043 DUI convictions. Tentative data for 2023 shows more than 125,000 DUI arrests, or about 340 per day.
How Many DUI Accidents Occur in California Each Year?
Nationwide, 13,524 people died in car accidents involving alcohol-impaired drivers in 2022. In California, the Office of Traffic Safety reported 1,370 deaths in alcohol-involved crashes in 2021 (the most recent year data is available). This was a 16 percent increase from 2020. In 2021, drunk driving deaths accounted for nearly one-third (32 percent) of all traffic deaths in California.
In Los Angeles County alone, 6,291 victims were injured and killed in alcohol-involved car accidents in 2022. In LA County the same year, 18,026 people were arrested on suspicion of DUI. The large population of Los Angeles County contributes to the high number of DUI arrests and accidents each year. Despite California having harsh DUI laws, many drivers continue to make the poor decision to drive under the influence.
Common Injuries Caused By DUI Accidents in California
Drunk driving motor vehicle collisions have the potential to be severe. Intoxicated drivers often make reckless decisions behind the wheel that can increase the severity of related car accidents. Examples include speeding, wrong-way driving and running red lights. Unfortunately, these factors can result in life-changing injuries for those involved.
Common injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Head and skull injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Permanent paralysis
- Internal injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Amputations
Sadly, many individuals do not survive their injuries after drunk driving crashes in California. If every motor vehicle driver behaved responsibly and obeyed California’s drunk driving laws, it would save thousands of lives each year.
Your Rights After a DUI Crash in California
The high incidence rate of drunk driving accidents means you could be at risk of encountering a drunk driver anytime you are on the road in California. If you get involved in a crash with an intoxicated motorist, try to remain calm and call the police to report the accident. Get medical attention immediately for your injuries. Next, explore your legal rights by contacting an auto accident attorney in Los Angeles. You may be able to recover financial compensation from the intoxicated driver or a dram shop, depending on the circumstances. An attorney can help you understand your legal options and take the right actions to hold someone accountable.