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Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs continues to be one of the most significant public safety concerns, with fatalities accounting for a large percentage of all traffic deaths in the U.S. However, what’s important to understand is that anyone can get a DUI.
It doesn’t matter if you are a billionaire, a CEO at the world’s largest organization, Congressional and White House aide, or someone in the CIA. Whether you haul trash and dig ditches or you are a doctor or lawyer, there’s always a possibility of finding yourself in a potential DUI arrest scenario. Considering today’s tough economic situations, it’s hard to deal with the pressures without taking a drink or two. However, if you are drunk and choose to sit behind the wheel, you are calling for trouble.
While no one is immune to DUI charges, experts believe that some people driving certain cars, in certain parts of the country, are more likely to find themselves in a DUI situation. In fact, there has been an established correlation between DUI rates and vehicle types. No matter the case, it’s vital to seek immediate legal assistance first.
The Importance of Working with the Right Attorney
No matter what car you drive or where you are in the country, you must contact a legal expert the moment you find yourself in a DUI accident. As explained by Attorney Chandon S. Alexander from Spartacuslawfirm.com, who has been interviewed by Las Vegas News Channel 3 KSNV as an expert in criminal justice issues,
“When someone is saddled with criminal charges, the legal advice and representation they receive can affect their freedom, future, and livelihood. That’s why choosing the right criminal defense lawyer is one of the most significant decisions you will make if you are arrested or indicted.”
The thing is that only the most experienced attorney can use due diligence to help someone dealing with DUI charges. They begin by accessing the records for the Breath Test machine, going back a couple of months to ensure the machine was never “down” for service, repairs, cleaning, or maintenance. They also look for other options that would help get the DUI dismissed. So, you should never underestimate the importance of hiring the right attorney and also educate yourself about states where they have strict DUI rules to avoid finding yourself in trouble.
DUI Hotspots and Vehicle Classes
All 50 states have set a threshold for a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to ensure no one exceeds that or they will be arrested under DUI charges. Anyone with a BAC of 0.08 g per deciliter or higher should not drive. Anyone under 21 should not drink and drive. However, it’s important to mention that Utah has an exception and set a lower BAC threshold; you are not allowed to drive in Utah if your blood alcohol concentration is 0.05 g/dL or higher.
However, if you check the statistics, it becomes clear that South Carolina, Rhode Island, and Texas have been at the top of the list with the highest number of cases involving DUI. Texas seems to be at the very top and a hotspot with 4,408 total fatalities in 2022; 44% of those drivers had a BAC above 0.08 g/dL.
In Texas, you can find a huge number of large vehicles, pickup trucks, and SUVs, and they are often involved in DUI accidents. Other than Texas, DUI crashes have historically been more common in Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, and North Dakota.
It is also possible to notice a pattern when considering the types of vehicles involved in these accidents in different states. For instance, in Montana, pickup trucks, such as the Chevrolet S-10, Dodge Ram 2500, and Ford Ranger, as well as luxury sedans like the Audi A4 have been disproportionately represented in DUI crashes. In fact, the Montana Department of Transportation reported that in 2019, over 28% of alcohol-related crashes involved pickup trucks.
However, it is important to not isolate states with an affinity for large vehicles to be DUI hotspots, because things are a bit different in urban areas where you can find a diverse vehicle population. In many of these areas, luxury car drivers are usually involved in drunk driving accidents, with consequences involving license suspension, fines, and jail time.
For instance, LendingTree conducted a study and analyzed various top car brands. The results showed that BMW drivers had the highest DUI rate as compared to other car brands. Here are the top 10 car models ranked based on the most DUI cases in 2022, as published in an article by Spartacus Law Firm:
Top Car Models With the Most DUIs
| Rank | Model | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acura NSX | Highest DUI rate; luxury sports car with a price starting at $171,495. |
| 2 | Chevrolet Astro | Primarily used as a large passenger or cargo van; lacks overall NHTSA safety rating. |
| 3 | Audi A4 Allroad | Current production model with a starting price of $45,900; known for practicality. |
| 4 | Nissan NV | Passenger van with significant cargo capacity; no NHTSA rating. |
| 5 | GMC Suburban | Large family SUV; highly rated for safety despite high DUI rate. |
| 6 | Cadillac Seville | Discontinued luxury sedan; high DUI rate compared to the national average. |
| 7 | Chevrolet Caprice | Former law enforcement vehicle; discontinued in 2017. |
| 8 | Audi A5 | Luxury car with high DUI rates; 5-star NHTSA rating for Sportback model only. |
| 9 | Toyota Land Cruiser | Discontinued luxury SUV; renowned for reliability and safety features. |
| 10 | Buick Lucerne | Discontinued model with low safety ratings; higher DUI rates than the national average. |
The Impact of Electric Cars on DUI Rates
It is quite evident to see how electric vehicles (EVs) are revolutionizing the auto market, and they obviously have an impact on DUI rates. However, it seems they are making things better. Though comprehensive data is not yet available, experts believe that EV drivers are generally more careful, helping to bring DUI rates down.
Part of this change is due to EV early adopters who are more educated and have higher incomes. Those who drive an EV often understand the economic impact of driving a vehicle, which also means they exhibit a more responsible approach towards alcohol consumption.
Considering the trends over the years, it becomes clear that there is a complicated relationship between vehicle types and DUI accidents. Luxury car drivers are more likely to be involved in those cases, but you cannot rule out economy car drivers. However, irrespective of your car type, be sure to connect with an experienced attorney immediately after finding yourself in a DUI accident.
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