How Many Car Accidents Are Caused By Drunk Driving?
In Utah, 21% of traffic deaths were related to alcohol impairment. Alcohol involved crashes are a small share of all crashes, about 1% to 2%, which is roughly 900 of 60,021 crashes statewide. (Source: Utah Justice)
A clear look at drunk driving and car crashes in Utah
Every crash story hurts. When alcohol is part of it, the harm is often worse. Utah tracks this closely. In 2023 the Utah state recorded 60,021 crashes and 279 deaths. In those deaths, nearly 30% were caused by alcohol-impaired drivers. Utah’s share is lower than the nation, yet the risk is still real.
It is true that alcohol-related crashes make up a small percentage of total crashes. But they are more likely to be fatal than other crashes. If you or a loved one is dealing with injuries after a crash, searching for a car accident attorney near me can help you focus on healing. While someone else handles the claim details.
This guide shares plain facts, Utah specific numbers, and helpful steps after a crash, all in simple language.
Key points you should know
- Alcohol raises crash death risk sharply
- Utah’s legal BAC limit is 0.05
- About one fifth of Utah traffic deaths
- Around 1 to 2% of total crashes
- Nights and weekends see higher risk
- DUI arrests top 11,000 yearly statewide
- Alcohol crashes hit walkers and riders too
- Legal help protects your claim timeline
How common is drunk driving in Utah?
Utah state keeps a close eye on impaired driving. Only in 2023, the state logged 60,021 total crashes and 279 deaths. There is a 15-fold increase in the risk of fatalities caused by alcohol-related crashes compared to other types of crashes.
There were more than 11000 DUI arrests, averaging about thirty a day statewide.
These facts show two truths at once:
- First, alcohol appears in a small share of total crashes each year.
- Second, an alcohol-related death is more likely to occur fast.
As a point of comparison, Utah has a lower legal limit for blood alcohol than most states. It is 0.05. When that limit went into effect in late 2018, crashes and deaths were reduced. It is safest to plan sober rides whenever you drive.
Quick facts at a glance
| Category | 2023 | 2024 | Notes |
| Total fatalities | 279 | 281 | Slight increase |
| Teen fatalities | 38 | 19 | 50% decline |
| Motorcycle fatalities | — | 53 | Highest in 15 years; mostly June–Aug |
| Vulnerable road users (share) | — | ~94 | About one-third of 281 |
| Unrestrained victims | 81 | ~110* | Nearly 39% of 281; down from 81 in 2023 |
| Seat belt usage rate | 90.7% | 90.7% | No change reported |
| Peak season for fatalities | Summer | Summer | Higher speeds → more deadly crashes |
(Source)
Which percentage of crashes and deaths involve drunk drivers in Utah?
To estimate how many car accidents are caused by drunk drivers in Utah, we need to separate two things. One is the share of all crashes that involve alcohol. The other is the share of deaths tied to alcohol. They are not the same.
For crashes, Utah’s planning data shows alcohol involved crashes made up about 1.5% of all crashes in recent years, which is a very small slice of total collisions. For deaths, Utah’s 2023 data show about 17% of deaths involved a driver at or above 0.05 BAC.
Federal fatality data that uses the 0.08 BAC standard reports Utah at roughly 21 %in 2023, compared with 30% nationwide that year. Different cutoffs and methods explain the small difference you see across sources.
Why are drunk driving crashes more deadly?
Alcohol slows reaction time, narrows focus, and raises risk taking. In Utah, safety data shows alcohol related crashes are far more likely to lead to death than other crash types. Utah also sees time of day effects.
National data show alcohol involvement is about three times higher at night than during the day. Weekends show higher risk. That lines up with what troopers see on the road.
This is why families often face serious injuries after an impaired driver crash. Planning sober rides and using seat belts every trip remains the most reliable way to cut risk for yourself and others.
Times and places to stay alert
- Evenings and late night hours
- Weekends and holidays
- Rural stretches with higher fatal rates per mile
- Busy urban intersections at rush hour
Contact the best car accident injury attorney Utah
It is not necessary for you to face the legal system alone if you have been injured by a drunk driver. Get in touch with the best personal injury attorney in Utah – Chris Cockayne. He and his team at Cockayne Law help Utah families after serious crashes.
They have a physical office in West Jordan, Utah, and the firm specializes in personal injury and auto cases. With their free consultations, you can concentrate on your health while they do the heavy lifting. This includes ordering records, tracking bills, building proof of pain and lost income, and dealing with insurers who may try to rush a low offer.
If you are searching for the best car accident lawyer in Utah or a car accident attorney near me, talk with a local team that knows our roads and our clinics. At Cockayne Law, they provide clear and concise updates in easy-to-understand language, and treat your case with the respect it deserves. You can reach their office through their website or by phone to set up a free case review today.
Final Thoughts
Alcohol involved crashes make up a small slice of Utah crashes but a much larger share of deaths. That gap is why this topic matters. Save every record. Do not guess when an insurer calls. Write down questions and get advice before you sign anything. If you need a steady hand, reach out to a car accident attorney near me who knows Utah law and local courts.
FAQs
How often do alcohol related crashes lead to death in Utah?
The total number of alcohol-related crashes is much higher than other crashes in Utah. The state notes they are about 15 times more likely to end in a death than other crash types. Therefore, prevention remains a top priority.
How many alcohol related crashes happen in Utah each year?
In 2022 Utah reported 908 DUI alcohol related crashes under a strict confirmed test method. With 60,021 total crashes in 2023 and a similar share, Utah typically sees on the order of nine hundred alcohol related crashes per year.
When are alcohol involved crashes most common?
Risk climbs at night and on weekends. National data show alcohol impairment among drivers in fatal crashes was about 3x higher at night. Plan a sober ride before the evening starts.
Could a bar or host share fault in Utah?
In some cases Utah’s laws allow claims against businesses that served an obviously intoxicated person who then caused a crash. A local attorney can explain if facts in your case fit this path. Laws and proof rules are strict.
How soon should I talk to a lawyer?
It is smart to call early. A lawyer can protect evidence, keep bills organized, and handle calls with insurers. Many people search for the best car accident lawyer Utah within days so deadlines do not sneak up.
Why choose Chris Cockayne and Cockayne Law?
They focus on injury and auto cases, offer free consults, and work across the Wasatch Front. If you are looking for a car accident attorney near me, their team is local, easy to reach, and ready to help you build a strong claim.
