Issues State Laws Resources News Events About Member Login Partner with Us Search toggle Issues Alcohol Impaired Driving Alcohol-Impaired Driving Alcohol impairment – or drunk driving – is a factor in nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities. In 2018, 10,511 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver, 29 percent of all fatalities.1 State and local law enforcement officials work year-round to identify alcohol-impaired drivers and get them off our roads. At specific times throughout the year, these efforts are amplified through the national drunk driving crackdown, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. GHSA's member State Highway Safety Offices (SHSOs) work with their state and local law enforcement partners on this campaign, which combines high-visibility law enforcement with public awareness and education campaigns to deter or detect drunk drivers. Many states also conduct sobriety checkpoints throughout the year. GHSA Policy Click here to view GHSA's Policies and Priorities on Impaired Driving. Many drunk drivers are repeat offenders. To prevent those convicted of drunk driving from making the same bad decision again, ignition interlocks are often employed. These devices analyze a driver's breath and disable the engine if alcohol is detected. Judges can mandate that all or a portion of convicted drunk drivers install interlocks in their cars for a specified period of time. All states now operate some type of ignition interlock program. 1 National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2019, October). 2018 fatal motor vehicle crashes: Overview. (Traffic Safety Facts Research Note. Report No. DOT HS 812 826). Washington, DC: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Related News Biden's Infrastructure Law Mandates Technology in New Vehicles to Stop Drunk Drivers. How Would It Work? November 29, 2021 Five States Get Help for Safe Rides During Holidays; Ride Sharing Reduces Alcohol-Involved Crashes, Studies Show November 23, 2021 Uber and GHSA Award Grants to Provide a Safe Alternative to Drunk and Drugged Driving During the Holidays November 18, 2021 Featured Initiative Lyft Grant Results: Colorado The Colorado Department of Transportation was one of five State Highway Safety Offices to receive a grant from GHSA and ride-hailing company Lyft to prevent impaired driving during the 2020 holiday season. Read More Publications Highlights of Association Activity, FY 2021 Directions in Highway Safety: March 2021 Issue Highlights of Association Activity, FY 2020 View All Publications Facts & Figures Laws All states but Utah define driving with a BAC at or above 0.08% as a crime, and specific laws and penalties vary substantially from state to state. Beginning in 2019, Utah’s BAC is set at 0.05%. See All Related Contact Us 660 N. Capitol Street NW, Suite 220 Washington, DC 20001­-1642 Directions & Visitor Information GHSA Media Contacts Sign up for GHSA news Issues Alcohol Impaired Driving Autonomous Vehicles Bicyclists and Pedestrians Child Passenger Safety Distracted Driving Drowsy Driving Drug Impaired Driving Equity Mature Drivers Motorcyclists Seat Belts Speed and Red Light Cameras Speeding and Aggressive Driving Teen and Novice Drivers Traffic Records State Laws Resources Publications State Highway Safety Showcases SHSO Guidance Law Enforcement Traffic Records Management Research Program Partner Initiatives Highway Safety Careers News Events Upcoming Events Past Annual Meetings Future Annual Meetings About State Members Associate Members Join GHSA Safety Awards Federal Grant Programs Governance Executive Board Our Team ©2021 Governors Highway Safety Association