Rhode Island Drunk Driving Statistics

Drunk driving, also referred to as impaired driving or driving under the influence of an impairing substance (DUI), happens in Rhode Island, as it does in the rest of the United States. What exactly qualifies as drunk driving, and what is the impact of that in Rhode Island? Here’s an overview of Rhode Island drunk driving statistics for 2025.

DUI in Rhode Island

The terms DWI, impaired driving, and DUI are synonymous with drunk driving cases, and the three are often used casually interchangeably in Rhode Island. The legal limit for intoxication in Rhode Island is a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher for drivers over 21. For underage drivers, a BAC as low as .02 percent can lead to a DUI charge. It is important to note that refusal of chemical testing can result in additional charges.

Penalties for breaking drunk driving laws can vary, but can include fines, suspension of driver’s license privileges, mandatory driver education courses, community service, and even jail time for repeat offenses or incidents that cause a death. In addition, people convicted of DUI may be required to install an interlock ignition device or undergo blood or urine testing. Repeat offenses come with increased Rhode Island drunk driving penalties, up to 20 years in prison, and $20,000.

Rhode Island Drunk Driving Statistics

Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol or drugs like marijuana or methamphetamine, has a real impact on the people of Rhode Island, in terms of lives lost, property damaged, and economic impact. The most recent data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows:

• About one-third of all traffic fatalities in Rhode Island were a result of drunk driving.
• Around 12 percent of the total arrests in the state were related to DUI.
• Young adults aged 21-34 are at the highest risk for impaired driving and involvement in a fatal crash.
• Male drivers were almost four times as likely to be involved in a fatal DUI as female drivers.
• Impaired driving poses an even greater risk to motorcycle drivers.
• Of children under 14 killed in traffic accidents, 25 percent were related to alcohol.
• The financial impact of drunk driving nationally is estimated to be $58 billion, including lost productivity, missed work, court and legal costs, medical costs, and property damage.
• The cost of a DUI arrest is estimated to be $11,000-$30,000. This includes costs such as bail bonds, towing and impound, attorney fees, court fines, increased insurance premiums, court-mandated education programs, license reinstatement, and interlock ignition installation.
• Previous data shows that one out of three drivers killed in car accidents had marijuana in their system.
• Drunk driving deaths have increased by 25 percent in the last ten years.
• Single-vehicle crashes are twice as likely to involve an impaired driver.
• Nighttime and weekends have significantly higher fatality rates.
• Nationwide, 1384 pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorists were killed by drunk drivers.
• In Rhode Island, about 70 percent of DUI arrests included refusal to submit to chemical tests.
• Those who consented to testing had an average BAC of around 0.17, which is more than twice the legal limit.

Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) has collaborated with the Rhode Island State Police (RISP) and other groups to develop locally produced awareness campaigns, including Beyond the Crash, Ripple Effect, and Ripple Effect – Take Action, which feature police sharing their experiences in responding to impaired driving fatalities. Other efforts include the Impaired Driving Engagement Council and Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation’s Community Conversation at locations across the state.

The State Police also established a focused Traffic Safety Unit dedicated to identifying and apprehending impaired drivers. This project has achieved significant success, resulting in 1,200 arrests and 17,000 citations related to impaired driving.

FAQs

What State Is Number One in Drunk Driving Fatalities?

The state that is number one in drunk driving fatalities is South Carolina, with 7.67 deaths per 100,000 people related to legally impaired driving. However, despite a significantly lower total number of DUI-related deaths, 42 percent of all traffic fatalities in Hawaii were related to impaired driving. By comparison, Rhode Island ranks somewhere in the middle at 33 percent.

How Many DUIs Are in Rhode Island?

There were 2,811 DUI arrests in Rhode Island, according to the report, out of 23,559 total arrests in the state, which is around 12 percent of the total arrests. Mississippi had the highest DUI arrest rate at 22.9 percent or 12,089 DUI arrests, and despite having more DUI arrests overall, California had the lowest DUI arrest rate at 15.3 percent of total arrests being related to impaired driving.

What Happens if You Refuse a Breathalyzer in Rhode Island?

If you refuse a Breathalyzer test in Rhode Island, your driver’s license privileges are suspended for at least six months. You may also be required to pay a fine, undergo a highway safety assessment, do community service, take a course on impaired driving, and/or be referred to a substance abuse treatment program. These penalties are often separate from the actual charge of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Has Drunk Driving Decreased Over the Years?

According to the report, there has been mixed progress related to drunk driving over the years nationwide. The fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles was 0.38, down 7.6 percent over the previous year and at the lowest since 2020, which saw a 15 percent increase in one year. However, this was still higher than the rate prior to that, which was at a low for recent years at 0.31 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles.

Hire a DUI Lawyer

If you’re facing DUI charges in Rhode Island, the most effective way to increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your case is to hire a DUI lawyer. The experienced criminal defense attorneys at Ellison Law LLC have the skills and resources to help you protect your rights and ensure you get treated fairly throughout the process. Contact our offices right away to schedule a consultation, discuss the details of your case, and learn your legal options.