A DUI arrest can happen to anyone, and Virginia does not take these cases lightly. Luckily, in a ranking of the states according to drunk driving arrests, Virginia finishes towards the bottom of the list. Continue reading to find out exactly where Virginia ranks, and the statistics behind the ranking.
The Ranking
According to information from the CDC, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and FBI crime reports, Virginia ranks 37th
overall for drunk driving rates. Reports also show that Virginia has seen a short term decrease in DUI arrests at about a 11.8% rate. The United States has seen an overall decrease in DUI arrests amounting to over 35%. Only three states (Delaware, Washington, and North Dakota) have reported an increase in DUI arrests since 2018.
It is important to remember that it only takes one bad decision to become a DUI statistic. Virginia’s low rate of DUI arrests will not matter if you are charged with DUI. It is important to have a strong defense to limit your exposure to the criminal penalties and collateral consequences of a DUI conviction.
Staying Safe
Although Virginia ranks well against all fifty states regarding the total DUI arrests, the state has been seeing an increase in alcohol-related traffic deaths at about 12%. Lake Research conducted a study on Virginia drivers and found that men ages 21 to 35 are most likely to drive while under the influence. Although most of these men say that it is crucial to have a safe ride home, 57% of them admitted to driving after a few drinks or be driven by someone who had a few drinks.
The Legal Limit
Virginia’s legal limits are as follows:
- 21 or older: 0.08%
- Commercial drivers: 0.04%
- Under 21: 0.02%
Remember, the best way to keep yourself and everyone around you safe is to appoint a designated driver who will not be drinking. If you cannot find that, the next best thing you can do is plan a ride share such as Uber or Lyft.
