Characterizing driving under the influence arrest detection, 2002-2023

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious threat to public health. While U.S. states have employed a range of measures to curb drink driving, the majority of those who engage in this behavior go undetected.

Secondary analysis of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2002-2023. Multivariable Poisson regression of self-reported drinking and driving, self-reported DUI arrests, and those who report drinking and driving but were not apprehended (undetected DUI) controlling for demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors across each survey period.

Self-reported drink driving rates were 15% in 2002-2014 and 8.5% in 2021-2023. The highest drink driving rates observed were among White populations at about 41% in 2002-2014, and about 21% in 2021-2023. Among drink drivers, approximately 4.6% reported a DUI arrest in the past year with little change over time. Women, younger populations, non-White race, and ethnic groups and those who do not report binge drinking were less likely to report drinking and driving than their respective reference groups in all periods. For those who report drink driving in the past year, there was a 95% chance of reporting no DUI arrest in the same year. Being female, having higher income, and being White or Asian/Pacific Islander were associated with higher rates of undetected DUIs.

While self-reported drinking and driving has declined, the majority of those who drink and drive are not detected by law enforcement. New, more effective strategies will be needed to address this significant public health problem.