Study Reveals South Carolina as the Worst State for Drunk Driving
Published Jun. 26, 2024 at 4:15 PM EDT | Updated 7 hours ago
Overview of the Study
South Carolina has earned the dubious distinction of being the worst state for drunk driving in the United States, according to a recently published study by the personal injury law group Simmrin. The study minutely analyzed data obtained from the National Traffic and Safety Administration (NTSA), U.S. Census Bureau, and Statista. South Carolina emerged as the state with the highest instances of drunk driving-caused fatalities, amassing a staggering 43%.
Drunk Driving Figures Across the Country
The national average of drunk driving casualties stands at 32%, indicating a stark contrast between South Carolina and the rest of the country. The study focused on crashes precipitated by drivers with a Blood Alcohol Content of .08 or higher, which is the federally recognized limit for impaired driving.
As shown in the study, only 22% of Utah’s traffic fatalities were due to drunk driving, placing Utah at the bottom of the list. The study also observed a trend among southern states, with drunk driving being a more probable cause of fatal crashes in the South compared to other regions.
Other States’ Standing in the Study
Texas and New Mexico also ranked poorly in the study, with Texas being the second worst state and New Mexico ranked third in terms of drunk-driving-related deaths as per the Simmrin Law Group’s findings. The data utilized for the study was primarily from 2024.
A Closer Look at Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a persistent and major problem despite concerted efforts by law enforcement and other organizations to raise awareness about its devastating effects. In 2018 alone, 10,511 people died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for nearly a third of all traffic-related deaths in the United States, according to the NTSA.
The Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
There are severe legal consequences for those caught driving under the influence of alcohol, including fines, license suspension, and in some cases, jail time. However, these penalties do not seem to deter some individuals from drinking and driving, pointing to a need for more effective strategies for preventing these tragedies.
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
