Philadelphia Drunk Driving Statistics [2024]

Drunk driving is a serious problem in Philadelphia, and one that can have tragic consequences. Despite increased awareness and enforcement efforts, far too many people still get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol, putting themselves and others at risk.

The Destruction of Drunk Driving

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT):

• Total Crashes: There were 8,683 alcohol-related crashes in 2022. That means an average of 24 alcohol-related accidents occurred each day. 
• Fatalities: These accidents resulted in 320 fatalities, an increase from the 311 that were killed in 2021. 279 of those killed were either drivers or passengers in vehicles, and 240 of those (86%) were either the drunk driver or their passenger.
• Injuries: A total of 5,574 people were injured in alcohol-related accidents, an average of 15 every day. 

Alcohol-related fatalities made up over a quarter (27%) of traffic fatalities even though collisions involving alcohol only made up 7% of the total crashes. PennDOT also reports there were 42,409 DUI arrests in 2022, a decrease from 44,531 in 2021. A reduction was also seen in drug-related DUI charges, which fell from 35,023 in 2021 to 29,678 in 2022, representing over 35% of all DUI charges.

Alcohol was involved in approximately 8% of the total crashes in 2021 in Pennsylvania, but these collisions were responsible for 25% of all traffic fatalities. As a result, alcohol-related accidents were four times more likely to cause a fatal injury than crashes that were not alcohol-related. 

• Alcohol-related crashes increased to 9,220 in 2021 from 7,700 in 2020. 
• 311 people died in alcohol-related crashes, an increase of 18 from the year prior. Of those, 24 were killed in Philadelphia County, in comparison to 29 the year before. 
• 94% of the people killed in alcohol-related accidents were in the vehicle driven by the drunk driver, and 79% were the intoxicated drivers themselves.
• 28% of the total alcohol-related crash fatalities occurred in five of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, one of which is Philadelphia County. 
• An average of 25 alcohol-related traffic crashes occurred each day in 2021.
• An average of 0.9 persons were fatally injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes every day.
• 16 people were injured in alcohol-related accidents every day. 

These numbers are disturbingly high, especially considering that drunk driving is entirely preventable.

Drunk Driving Accident Patterns in Philadelphia

Gender Disparity

Drunk driving statistics reveal that it is more common among certain demographics. For example, men are more likely than women to drive under the influence of alcohol (72%).

Age Group

Additionally, younger drivers are more likely to be involved in alcohol-related crashes than older drivers. Of particular concern is the involvement of drunk drivers under the age of 21. 385 drinking drivers were underage, a decrease of a little over 20% from 2021, which saw 486 underage drinking drivers. 

23% of the driver fatalities in the 16 to 20 age group were drunk drivers. Additionally, 41% of the driver fatalities were drunk drivers in the 26 to 30 age group. A decrease from 46% in 2021. 

Conversely, the 41 to 45 age group saw an increase, rising to 41% from 31% in the previous year. 

Time of Day

Most (73%) alcohol-related accidents in 2021 happened at night between 8pm and 4am, and usually on weekends. 

Vehicle Type

Motorcyclists had the highest percentage of drunk drivers to total drivers, compared to drivers of other vehicle types.

Holidays

10% of all holiday crashes involved alcohol, and 33% of holiday weekend fatalities were alcohol-related. The most alcohol-related collisions (1,518) took place in the days leading up to Thanksgiving and the most alcohol-related fatalities (20) happened in the days after.

The Financial Costs of A DUI In Pennyslvania

The financial ramifications of a DUI in Pennsylvania can be severe, varying based on factors such as blood alcohol content (BAC), location of arrest, and number of offenses. Key expenses include:

• Traffic fines ranging from $300 to $10,000.
• Vehicle towing and impound fees between $250 and $675.
• Legal fees which can range from $2,000 to over $8,000.
• Costs for alcohol evaluation, education, and treatment programs ranging from $135 to $1,100.
• License restoration fees of $76 for non-commercial and $184 for commercial licenses.
• Insurance premium increases by about $1,000 annually or potential cancellation of the policy.

Beyond these financial penalties, individuals can face job loss, social stigma, and legal repercussions, including jail time and mandatory community service.

Preventing Drunk Driving in Philadelphia 

Preventing drunk driving requires a multifaceted approach that includes education, enforcement, and intervention. Education efforts can help raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving and encourage people to make responsible choices, such as using designated drivers or ride-sharing services.

Enforcement measures, such as sobriety checkpoints and increased penalties for drunk driving, can deter people from getting behind the wheel while under the influence. Intervention programs, such as alcohol treatment and ignition interlock devices, can also help individuals who have struggled with alcohol abuse to stay sober and avoid drunk driving.

What to Do if You Have Been Involved in an Accident With a Drunk Driver

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, there are critical steps to take:

Ensure Safety

Check yourself and passengers for injuries. Move to a safe location if possible, but do not leave the scene of the accident.

Call 911

Contact the police immediately. Inform the dispatcher that you suspect the other driver is intoxicated.

Check on Others

Check on the other driver and passengers, but avoid confrontation.

Document the Scene

If you can, take photographs of the scene, including the vehicles, any other property damage, the road, any debris, skid marks, your injuries, and the surrounding area. Write down or take photos of the vehicle’s license plate number, make and model. 

Gather Information

Rather than asking the drunk driver for their contact and insurance information, a police officer will find out for you. However, ask for contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the collision. 

Seek Medical Attention

Additionally, seek medical attention as soon as you leave the scene even if you feel fine. Some severe injuries can have delayed symptoms and medical records can be critical to your case. 

Consult an Attorney

Contact a Philadelphia drunk driving accident lawyer. They will help ensure the drunk driver is held accountable and that you recover the compensation you deserve.