A new study by Therman Law challenges long-held assumptions about who is most at risk for driving under the influence (DUI). While drunk driving is often stereotyped as a problem tied to poverty or disadvantaged communities, national and state-level data reveal a surprising truth: affluent drivers and wealthy counties are experiencing higher-than-average rates of alcohol-related traffic fatalities.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 40,901 people were killed in U.S. roadway accidents in 2023, and nearly one-third (12,429 deaths) involved alcohol. Census Bureau figures place the median U.S. household income at $80,610, but the data indicate that counties with household incomes far above this benchmark are not insulated from DUI risks; in fact, many surpass national averages for drunk driving deaths.
Illinois: An Unexpected Hotspot
Illinois serves as a case in point. With a median household income of $81,702, slightly higher than the national average, the state still ranked among the top 10 for alcohol-related fatalities. Out of 1,241 crashes in 2023, nearly 32% involved alcohol. Cook County, home to Chicago and some of the state’s most affluent suburbs, recorded a DUI fatality rate nearly double the national figure.
Other Midwestern counties tell a similar story. Oldham County, KY, one of the wealthiest in the region, had a drunk driving death rate more than three times the national average, despite its small population. St. Louis County, MO, and Hamilton County, IN, also exceeded national DUI fatality rates, reinforcing the connection between higher incomes and increased alcohol-related risks.
Why Wealth May Fuel Risk
The study suggests several factors may explain this counterintuitive trend. Affluent communities typically enjoy greater access to alcohol through frequent social events and disposable income. Wealthier drivers may also feel more shielded from consequences due to access to top legal teams, the ability to absorb fines without hardship, and confidence in navigating the justice system.
Affluence can create a false sense of security. The reality is that impaired driving is equally dangerous whether it happens on a rural back road or a tree-lined suburban street. Wealth does not make anyone immune to the consequences of alcohol behind the wheel.
Affluent Counties Across the U.S.
The Midwest is not an outlier. Data from other regions confirms the same troubling pattern:
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Howard County, MD, and King County, WA, both reported DUI fatality rates of 7 per 100,000 residents, more than double the national rate of 3.1.
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Marin County, CA, known for its high-income households, recorded 5 DUI deaths per 100,000.
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Nassau County, NY, and Forsyth County, GA, each reported above-average fatality rates at 4 per 100,000.
Each of these counties boasts average household incomes well over $125,000, but their DUI fatality figures mirror or exceed those of less wealthy areas.
The Summer Spike
Seasonal patterns compound the danger. In 2023, there were 4,506 alcohol-related traffic deaths during the summer months alone, accounting for nearly 37% of the year’s total fatalities. The South led the nation in summer DUI deaths with 1,960, while the Midwest recorded 977, including 162 in Illinois. The combination of higher traffic volumes, social gatherings, and travel contributes to these seasonal spikes.
Uneven Enforcement
Another factor influencing these numbers is inconsistency in enforcement and sentencing. While the national incarceration rate stands at 541 per 100,000 residents, counties like Cook (IL) and Oldham (KY) incarcerate at significantly higher rates, while others, such as Hamilton (IN), fall well below. Such disparities raise questions about whether affluent communities face the same level of accountability for DUI offenses as less privileged areas.
A Call to Action
The findings serve as a reminder that drunk driving is a universal problem, one not limited by income or geography. Wealthy suburbs, tech hubs, and rural communities alike face devastating losses when alcohol and driving intersect.
“As summer travel peaks, we must abandon the idea that affluence equals safety,” said a spokesperson from Therman Law. “Public awareness campaigns, enforcement, and personal responsibility must extend across every zip code. Lives are at stake in every community.”
Therman Law Offices continues to advocate for DUI victims and their families, working to hold negligent drivers accountable regardless of their income or influence.
