The 10 American Cities With the Most Drunk Driving Incidents

Driving safety in the United States is frequently compromised by alcohol impairment, a factor that accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic-related fatalities. While major metropolises like New York or Chicago benefit from high-density public transit that lowers DUI (Driving Under the Influence) rates, smaller urban centers and rural hubs often face a different reality. Identifying these high-risk areas is crucial for any driver planning long-distance transit or nocturnal travel through these regions.

The 10 American Cities With the Most Drunk Driving Incidents
DUI Risk Profile: Top US Cities by Incident Rate
Highest Individual Rate Gillette, WY (6.856% of drivers)
State with Highest Frequency Wyoming (3 cities in Top 10)
Regional Trend Higher rates in Mountain and Plains states
Fatality Impact Alcohol-related to ~28% of total road deaths

The 10 Highest DUI Rates Per Capita

Recent statistical analyses of driver records reveal that smaller cities—often those with limited alternative transport infrastructure—top the list for alcohol-related driving incidents.

  1. Gillette, Wyoming (6.856%): Topping the list, nearly 7% of drivers in this city of 30,000 have a DUI on record. Wyoming remains the highest-rated state for alcohol-related driving offenses.
  2. Loveland, Colorado (6.195%): Breaking the six-percent threshold, this city of 75,000 faces the added risk of high-elevation winter driving combined with high DUI rates.
  3. Rochester, Minnesota (5.709%): Minnesota ranks fifth in the nation for DUI frequency, with Rochester being its primary statistical outlier.
  4. Bozeman, Montana (5.587%): Despite its small population, Bozeman reflects Montana's broader challenge as the third-highest DUI state in the US.
  5. Casper, Wyoming (5.085%): The second of three Wyoming cities, further cementing the state's logistical struggle with impaired driving.
  6. Rapid City, South Dakota (5.043%): South Dakota consistently ranks in the top ten states for offenders, with Rapid City serving as the regional peak.
  7. Cheyenne, Wyoming (4.957%): The state capital reflects a rate nearly four times higher than the national average.
  8. Costa Mesa, California (4.758%): The highest rate in California, a state that ranks ninth overall for total DUI incidents.
  9. Fort Collins, Colorado (4.693%): Located in Northern Colorado, this city’s rate is significantly higher than the state average.
  10. Ventura, California (4.567%): A coastal city where limited late-night transit options contribute to a high percentage of impaired driving records.

Infrastructure and Environmental Risk Factors

The overrepresentation of cities in states like Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado is not a coincidence. In these regions, long-distance driving is often the only viable transit option, and severe weather conditions—such as black ice and mountain blizzards—multiply the danger of impaired driving. Defensive driving in these areas requires heightened situational awareness, especially during late-night windows and holiday periods.

Conclusion: Mitigating the Risk

While national drunk driving rates have decreased over the past three decades, the data from these ten cities shows that localized risk remains extreme. For the modern road explorer, understanding these regional patterns is essential for route planning. Avoiding high-incidence areas during peak "risk hours" and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for impairment are the only ways to ensure a safe transition through these high-risk urban centers.

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