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Road safety guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
Drunk Driving: Facts, Risks and How to Prevent It
Alcohol-impaired driving is a factor in about 30% of U.S. traffic deaths. Here is what the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says about the numbers, how alcohol affects driving, and how to make sure everyone gets home safely.
11,904Alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024 (NHTSA)
Every 44 min.One person dies in a drunk-driving crash
About 4xCrash risk at a BAC of .08 vs. zero
$10,000+Possible cost of a first-time offense in fines and legal fees
The short answer
If you are drinking, do not drive. Plan a sober ride before you go out, never let an impaired friend drive, and always buckle up. NHTSA reports 11,904 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024, and a driver at a BAC of .08 is approximately 4 times more likely to crash.
Drunk driving by the numbers
NHTSA reports that about 32 people in the United States die every day in drunk-driving crashes, or one person every 44 minutes. In 2024, 11,904 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths. From 2015 to 2024, an average of more than 11,500 people died this way each year.
| Statistic | Figure |
|---|---|
| Alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024 | 11,904 |
| Share of all U.S. traffic deaths involving a drunk driver (BAC .08 g/dL or higher) | About 30% |
| People killed in 2024 in alcohol-related crashes where a driver had a BAC of .01 to .07 g/dL | 2,028 |
| Young drivers (15-20) killed in 2024 crashes who had a BAC of .01 g/dL or higher | 29% |
| Children 14 and younger killed in 2024 crashes who died in drunk-driving crashes | 21% |
| Yearly cost of alcohol-involved crashes (2019 figures) | $68.9 billion |
How alcohol affects your driving
Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is measured with a breathalyzer or a blood test. NHTSA says crash risk rises exponentially at a BAC of .08 g/dL, and driving at .08 or higher is illegal in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Utah's limit is .05.
About 4 times
Drivers at a BAC of .08 are approximately 4 times more likely to crash than drivers at zero.
At least 12 times
At a BAC of .15, drivers are at least 12 times more likely to crash.
At .08
NHTSA lists impaired concentration, short-term memory loss and trouble controlling speed.
NHTSA defines a standard drink as about .54 ounces of alcohol: one shot of distilled spirits, one 5-ounce glass of wine or one 12-ounce beer. How high your BAC goes depends on how many drinks you have, how fast you drink, your sex, your body weight and whether you have food in your stomach. NHTSA adds that mixing alcohol with medications or illegal drugs increases impairment.
Who is most at risk
- Young drivers. The minimum legal drinking age is 21 in every state. NHTSA estimates those laws saved 31,959 lives from 1975 to 2017.
- Drivers 21 to 24. In 2024 this age group had the highest percentage of drunk drivers (BAC .08 or higher).
- Men. NHTSA counts four male drunk drivers for every female drunk driver.
- Motorcyclists. Of the 5,950 motorcycle operators killed in 2024, 1,529 (26%) had a BAC of .08 or higher. See sharing the road with motorcycles.
- Repeat offenders. Drivers at .08 or higher in fatal crashes were 3 times more likely than drivers with no alcohol to have prior impaired-driving convictions (6% vs. 2%).
- Children. In 53% of the 2024 drunk-driving deaths of children 14 and younger, the child was riding in the vehicle driven by the drunk driver.
Consequences
NHTSA says charges range from misdemeanors to felonies, and penalties can include license revocation, fines and jail time. A first-time offense can cost a driver upwards of $10,000 in fines and legal fees. Many states require an ignition interlock device, paid for by the driver, usually set to a .02 g/dL limit. Penalties vary by state; for Indiana, follow current state law.
How to prevent drunk driving
NHTSA's rule is simple: if you are drinking, do not drive.
- Plan a safe ride home before you go out, and pick a designated driver.
- Don't let someone who is impaired drive. Help them get a sober ride.
- If you have been drinking, call a taxi, a ride-hailing service or a sober friend.
- If you host a party with alcohol, make sure every guest leaves with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat belt. Read our Indiana seat belt law guide.
If you see a driver you believe is impaired, contact local law enforcement.
Service at Michigan City Ford
The Works® at Michigan City Ford includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Michigan City Ford is a new and used Ford dealership in Michigan City, IN, with its own service department.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | No Sunday hours listed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 10, 2026.
Drunk driving FAQ
How many people die in drunk-driving crashes?
NHTSA reports 11,904 alcohol-impaired driving deaths in 2024, about 32 people a day or one every 44 minutes.
What is the legal BAC limit?
NHTSA says driving with a BAC of .08 g/dL or higher is illegal in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Utah's limit is .05.
How much more likely is a drunk driver to crash?
NHTSA says drivers at a BAC of .08 are approximately 4 times more likely to crash than drivers at zero, and at least 12 times more likely at .15.
What counts as one standard drink?
About .54 ounces of alcohol: one shot of distilled spirits, one 5-ounce glass of wine or one 12-ounce beer, according to NHTSA.
How much can a first DUI cost?
NHTSA says a first-time offense can cost upwards of $10,000 in fines and legal fees, and penalties can include license revocation and jail time.
More road safety guides
See our guides to drowsy driving and night driving.
Sources
Statistics, BAC facts, consequences and prevention steps are from NHTSA's Drunk Driving page, read November 10, 2026. This page is general safety information, not legal advice; follow Indiana law. Service details, address and hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- NHTSA: Drunk Driving, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), read November 10, 2026
- General service: The Works, Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 10, 2026