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“This new data is encouraging,” said Kimball. “Particularly during April, Alcohol Responsibility Month, we are pleased to see that both traffic fatalities overall and drunk driving deaths specifically declined in 2023. No one should have to share the road with a drunk driver, and we are proud of the judges, legislators, and responsible drivers who are working tirelessly and making decisions that make our roads safer and reduce lives lost.” 

Some key data points include:  

• In 2023, nearly 2,000 fewer people died in motor vehicle crashes, a decrease of more than four percent from 42,721 in 2022 to 40,901.  

• Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for almost one-third (30%) of all traffic fatalities, decreasing nearly eight percent from 13,458 in 2022 to 12,429 in 2023.  

• Thirty-seven states reported declines in the number of drunk driving fatalities between 2022 and 2023; however, 12 states and the District of Columbia saw an increase in the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities on their roadways and one state had no change since 2022. 

In addition to alcohol-impaired driving, NHTSA also tracks speeding involvement and safety restraint use as major factors involved in traffic fatalities. In 2023, all three human behavior factors—speed, seal belt use, and alcohol-impairment, decreased. Speeding, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities, declined three percent, and unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes declined nearly eight percent, accounting for 49% of known restraint use.  

“While the reduction in motor vehicle deaths, especially the number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities, compared to 2022 are promising, we must remember that every single one of these alcohol-impaired fatalities was 100% preventable, and that each one of these numbers is more than a statistic—it is a person,” continued Kimball. “The numbers reinforce Responsibility.org’s commitment to promoting alcohol responsibility and safe driving practices. We believe that education, public awareness campaigns, targeted advocacy and employing evidence-based countermeasures are keys to reducing impaired driving fatalities. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote responsible alcohol consumption and make our roads safer for everyone.” 

NHTSA also released early estimates for 2024 traffic fatalities, projecting 39,345 people died in fatal motor vehicle traffic crashes, representing a decrease of almost four percent compared to the 40,901 fatalities reported for 2023. This marks the lowest fatality rate since 2019 and the first time since the pandemic that the number of lives lost on our roadways dropped below 40,000. Additionally, they noted Americans continue to drive more, with vehicle miles traveled (VMT) increasing 1 percent, while the overall fatality rate dropped to 1.20 fatalities per 100 million VMT. 

To learn more about the programs and initiatives from Responsibility.org, or to participate in Alcohol Responsibility Month, visit www.responsibility.org.  

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About Responsibility.org 
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 33 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — April marks Alcohol Responsibility Month, a time that invites all of us to recognize the importance of responsible behaviors regarding beverage alcohol, and how words, behaviors, and actions influence those around us. The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is encouraging Americans to make choices that reflect a dedication to safety and responsibility by never driving drunk or impaired, by engaging in conversations to help keep teens alcohol-free, and by making smart decisions if, and when, they choose to drink.

“Alcohol Responsibility Month is a great reminder that as leaders, parents, communities, and individuals, we all need to be aware of our influences, decisions, and behaviors,” said Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “The overwhelming majority of American adults who choose to drink do so responsibly, and we at Responsibility.org are proud of that. But we must be vigilant about the choices we make. Adults must keep alcohol out of the hands of kids, and our words and actions around kids matter, too. No one should ever have to share the road with a drunk driver, and we should all understand what we are drinking when we enjoy our favorite beverage with friends. Responsibility is a great look for us all.”

Throughout the month, Responsibility.org will build on the progress of its more than 30-year history embracing the theme of “Responsibility Looks GREAT on You,” and emphasizing personal choice, influence, and responsibility when it comes to making decisions and conveying messages about alcohol.

Activities will include:

• Engaging lawmakers and staff on Capitol Hill with tips on responsible alcohol consumption.
• Partnering with a diverse team of social media influencers to spark conversations on underage drinking prevention and mindful drinking strategies.
• Expanding outreach to parents and educators through the Ask, Listen, Learn underage drinking prevention program, with resources shared in collaboration with Discovery Education, Classroom Champions, We Are Teachers, Kahoot!, and SHAPE America.
• Launching a new series of public service announcements featuring 16 state Attorneys General, focused on underage drinking prevention and the importance of conversations in keeping kids alcohol-free.
• Bringing responsibility messaging into DC’s hospitality scene through a partnership with the DC Highway Safety Office and the DC Nightlife Council.

“This is an opportunity for us all to work together to empower adults to make smart choices about alcohol,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Responsibility.org and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “Fewer kids are drinking than ever before. We are working hard to keep drunk and impaired drivers off our roads, and we know that educating people about what is in their drink, as well as being aware of their Blood Alcohol Content will help them make the right choices that look great on them.”

“Alcohol Responsibility Month really is an important time for taking action, highlighting progress, and collaborating with our communities, members, and partners,” said Kimball. “We appreciate everyone who takes a few moments this month to reflect on what responsibility looks like to them and looks themselves in the eye and confidently says ‘Responsibility looks GREAT on you.’ We agree!”

The “Responsibility Looks GREAT on You” campaign social media toolkit offers resources for parents about starting conversations with kids to help them stay alcohol-free and contains helpful tips about responsible drinking, hosting, and celebrating.

Learn more about Responsibility.org’s impact and take action during Alcohol Responsibility Month.

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About Responsibility.org

Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington; Hotaling & Co.; Mast- Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org.

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Washington, DC— Today, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) released the results of its 2024 Monitoring the Future Survey, which tracks long-term behaviors of substance use and related attitudes amongst 8th,10th, and 12th grade students.   

Long-term declines in underage drinking noted over the past few decades remain, and the just-released 2024 Monitoring the Future study found that alcohol consumption among America’s teens is at record low levels and continues to fall below pre-pandemic prevalence rates. From 2023 to 2024, lifetime and past year consumption declined significantly for both 10th and 12th grade students, and among 10th graders, past month consumption also significantly declined over the past year. Additionally, past 30-day abstinence (defined as no alcohol, marijuana, or nicotine use) increased among 10th grade and 12th grade students, while lifetime abstinence also increased among 12th graders. 

More specifically, the survey found the following:  

• A record high number of teens report they have never consumed alcohol – 82% of students in 8th grade, 68% of 10th graders, and 51% of 12th graders. Lifetime consumption over the past ten years has declined 29%, proportionally, among 8th graders, 32% among 10th graders, and 24% among high school seniors.   

• In 2024, past 30-day consumption and binge drinking remained at record low levels and below pre-pandemic levels. Current drinking among teens declined among all three grade levels from 2023 to 2024, with statistically significant declines noted among 10th graders. The longer-term trend over the past 10-years shows declines of 49 percent among 8th graders, 47% among 10th graders, and 39% among 12th graders.  

• Binge drinking (defined as consuming five or more drinks in a row at least once during the past two weeks) rates declined slightly, but not significantly, from 2023 to 2024, reaching record low levels among students in all three grade levels. Over the past ten years the prevalence of binge drinking has been cut in almost half – down 63% proportionally among 8th graders, 57% among 10th graders, and 49% among 12th graders.  

• Peer disapproval of binge drinking remains high among students in all three grade levels in 2024, increasing significantly among high school seniors but remains below the record high recorded in 2018 (76%). The perceived risk of binge drinking increased among students in grades 8, 10 and 12, with significant increases noted among 8th and 12th graders. Meanwhile ease of access to alcohol also decreased significantly among 10th graders and 12th graders. 

The 2024 study results show continuing and gradual progress being made toward eliminating underage drinking across the country, but more work remains to be done.  

“Delaying the onset of alcohol consumption in kids is a key factor in reducing future substance abuse as they grow into adults. This new data is a testament to the resources and materials that both we at Responsibility.org and our partners create to keep kids safe and alcohol-free.” said Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “As parents, we are the leading influence on their decisions about alcohol, and using these new numbers to energize our mission, we will continue working towards eliminating underage drinking once and for all. As the mom of two teens, I’m personally and professionally dedicated to making sure parents and caregivers continue to empower kids to make informed, responsible choices.” 

Responsibility.org’s science-based educational programs such as Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix and Alcohol101+ work to equip parents and educators with the tools and resources they need to start and continue conversations about the dangers of underage drinking and binge drinking. In addition, industry supported campaigns such as We Don’t Serve Teens bring together communities, businesses, and families to keep alcohol out of the hands of everyone under the legal drinking age. These efforts have helped bring attention to critical issues in keeping kids alcohol-free and shaping their attitudes and perceptions about alcohol.  

Responsibility.org credits progress in the fight to eliminate underage drinking to a wide variety of partners who support and champion these efforts, model responsible practices, and promote prevention education. Among them are the American School Counselor Association, the Association of Middle Level Educators, Classroom Champions, Discovery Education, the Society for Health and Physical Education (SHAPE America), and the Responsibility.org team of social media parent influencers, among many other dedicated advocates.  

The full Monitoring the Future survey results are available here.  

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About Responsibility.org 
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices as part of a balanced lifestyle. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling, Inc.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; and William Grant & Sons. Since 1991, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org. 

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Washington, D.C. – Drunk and impaired driving deaths are 100% preventable, and traffic safety advocates from across the nation work together each day to find solutions that can save lives. This week, the National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving (NASID), a coalition established and led by Responsibility.org, will host a conference focused on multi-substance impaired driving prevention in Arlington, VA, to further develop a strategic framework for preventing and eliminating all forms of impaired driving. The expanded legalization and decriminalization of cannabis in addition to greater use of prescription and over-the-counter medications, an ongoing opioid epidemic, and continued challenges with alcohol-impaired driving result in dangerous and challenging road risks which account for nearly one-third of total traffic fatalities.

The NASID conference will convene the nation’s top experts to examine the challenges and complexities of multiple substance impaired driving and continue building a pathway for better understanding of ways to detect, prosecute, and ultimately eliminate the needless loss of lives that plague US roadways. Participants will engage in discussions about advanced technology to detect and prevent impaired driving, legislative and advocacy best practices, public awareness campaigns, standardization of detection protocols and more.

“Each of us understands that there are significant challenges in making our roads safer for our communities, friends, and family,” said Darrin Grondel Senior Vice President of Traffic Safety at Responsibility.org and Director of NASID. “We need the expertise of each attendee and expert involved in the NASID Conference to continue to work together to tackle the alarming drunk, drugged, and impaired driving traffic fatalities that result in too many deaths on our roads each year.”

Despite the higher fatality risks associated with multiple substance impaired driving, it is an underreported problem, and leading experts and officials continue to work on ways to gain complete and accurate information, data, education, and training to recognize, treat, and prevent it. Convening at the NASID conference allows this knowledge to be shared amongst peers and action to be strategized and put into action.

“No one should have to share the road with a driver who is drunk or impaired,” said Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “We established NASID to address this growing issue of multi-substance impaired driving to make sure that people arrive safely to their destinations and needless tragedy is eliminated. I’m proud of this work on both a personal and a professional level.”

The National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving Conference begins Monday, November 18, at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Arlington and runs through Wednesday, November 20. For more information or to register to attend the sessions, please visit www.nasid.org/conference or contact Katie Beaumont at Katie.Beaumont@responsibility.org.

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About NASID
The National Alliance to Stop Impaired Driving is a coalition established and led by Responsibility.org to eliminate all forms of impaired driving, especially multiple substance impaired driving, through effective and proven measures such as DUI system reform, DUI detection, and improved use of data and technology. To learn more visit NASID.org.

About Responsibility.org
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. Since 1991, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org.

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“Tess Rowland is a brave and resilient individual who could have decided to recover from her traumatic injuries in silence,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Responsibility.org and DISCUS. “Instead, she has chosen to raise her voice and use her platform to increase the awareness about the dangers of drunk and impaired driving. It is this fearlessness that we are excited to see and learn from to keep our missions moving forward, make our roads safer, and prevent crashes, injuries and precious lives from being lost.” 

Previously, Ms. Rowland served as an Emmy-Nominated TV Journalist in Panama City Beach, FL. During a daily commute in 2021, she was the victim of a crash involving a wrong-way drunk driver and was severely injured, sparking her unwavering dedication to traffic safety advocacy. Still in her recovery journey, Ms. Rowland collaborated with the Bay County, FL Sheriff’s Office to establish the first-ever Regional DUI Task Force and later held the position of the National President of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). In these roles, she spearheaded initiatives for stricter laws and heightened awareness surrounding impaired driving.  

Currently, Ms. Rowland serves as the Community Traffic Safety Liaison for the Harris County Sheriff’s Office based in Houston, TX, where she develops innovative traffic safety programming that integrates awareness, education, and data-driven approaches to address the root causes of traffic fatalities in the community. She also recently published her first children’s book, Astro’s Adventures Exploring Road Safety, which educates youth about road safety and making safe choices. 

“Responsibility.org is an impactful organization with missions and values that align with my personal passion for traffic safety and dedication to empowering individuals to make informed decisions. I’m honored to join as a National Advisory Board member and help make a difference on such important issues,” said Ms. Rowland. “I had to share the road with a drunk driver—and am fortunate to be here to share my story in the hopes that lives will be saved and that conversations and actions take place to increase safety for all.” 

“We enthusiastically welcome Ms. Rowland to the National Advisory Board. We are inspired by her story and her work, and look forward to her contributions to our programs, campaigns, and initiatives,” said Lisa Keegan, Chair of the Responsibility.org National Advisory Board. 

In her appointment, Ms. Rowland will join six other National Advisory Board members comprised of education, traffic safety, and medical professionals, a former Attorney General, and other prominent representatives in mission-related fields. To view the full Responsibility.org National Advisory Board, click here.

About Responsibility.org
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org.  

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The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) has created the CORE FOUR—a quartet of guidelines that all alcohol delivery services should commit to adopting in order to exhibit their dedication to the safety of customers and rules compliance.  

The Core Four include: 

1. Confirm alcohol deliveries are only to those over the minimum legal drinking age of 21. 
2. Prevent delivery to those underaged, intoxicated, or where prohibited by law. 
3. Provide education on safe alcohol delivery to individuals that deliver alcohol. 
4. Implement checks to ensure compliance with these standards. 

As an additional consideration, Responsibility.org urges that companies conducting alcohol deliveries incorporate messaging on their platforms and in communications with consumers to help prevent underage drinking, eliminate drunk driving, and ensure that adults who choose to drink are doing so responsibly.  

“Our ultimate goal is safety,” said Responsibility.org Executive Director Leslie Kimball. “As the demand for convenience grows, responsible delivery of alcohol beverages to responsible adults who choose to drink must remain a priority. Alignment with the Core Four alcohol delivery principles assures that all involved parties have a seat at the table of responsibility.”  

With all community delivery partners complying with these principles, the future of the to-home alcohol delivery segment will continue to be a responsible option for those of legal drinking age who choose to drink. Many of the leading companies engaged in to-home, restaurant, and retail alcohol delivery services include Corporate Partners of Responsibility.org. For more information about the Core Four and to learn more about alcohol responsibility, visit www.responsibility.org. 

About Responsibility.org
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org. 

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 13,524 people were killed in drunk driving crashes involving a driver with an illegal BAC (.08 or greater) in 2022, including 4,120 fatalities that occurred during the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

“Summer should be a time of celebration and relaxation, but it’s essential that this ‘fun in the sun’ mentality does not come at the expense of safety,” said Responsibility.org Executive Director Leslie Kimball. “Ending drunk driving starts with each of us, and the approach must be comprehensive. Parents need to have conversations with their teens about road safety and decision-making; consumers need to understand how alcohol affects their BAC, especially before getting behind the wheel, and we all need to evaluate our frame of mind if and when we choose to drink. No one should have to share the road with a drunk driver.” 

Responsibility.org is dedicated to fostering a culture of responsible decision-making about alcohol and continuing the efforts to eliminate drunk driving during the summer months and beyond. Key components of this campaign include public awareness and social media engagement regarding safe transportation alternatives to driving drunk, collaboration with law enforcement and policymakers, information regarding responsible delivery principles, and public education about how alcohol can affect one’s BAC using Responsibility.org’s Virtual Bar app. 

“Drunk driving crashes are 100% preventable,” Kimball said. “Working together, using these tools, and making sound decisions, we can save lives on our nation’s roadways and ensure that our summer memories are positive ones and we all ride safe and drive safe.” 

For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit www.responsibility.org.  

About Responsibility.org
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; Suntory Global Spirits; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org. 

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — April is Alcohol Responsibility Month, a time that invites all of us to recognize the importance of responsible, mindful behaviors regarding beverage alcohol, if and when we choose to drink. The Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (Responsibility.org) is encouraging Americans to look at our relationships with alcohol and make choices that reflect a dedication to safety and responsibility.

“Alcohol Responsibility Month is a good reminder that as leaders, parents, communities, and individuals, we all need to be aware of our surroundings, decisions, and behaviors,” said Leslie Kimball, Executive Director of Responsibility.org. “The overwhelming majority of American adults who choose to drink do so responsibly, and we at Responsibility.org are proud of that. But we must be vigilant about the choices we make. No one wants kids getting their hands on beverages containing alcohol. No one should ever have to share the road with a drunk driver. And we should all understand what we are drinking when we enjoy our favorite beverage with friends.”

Throughout the month, Responsibility.org will embrace “Good Friends, Good Choices, Good Times” emphasizing progress that has been made in the efforts to keep alcohol out of the hands of minors, reminding consumers to be mindful when drinking and plan for a safe ride home, and sharing resources about responsible consumption, hosting and celebrating. We will also advocate for respecting the choice of anyone who chooses to not drink—for any reason or no reason at all.

“April—Alcohol Responsibility Month—is an opportunity for us to work together to empower adults to make smart choices about alcohol,” said Chris Swonger, President and CEO of Responsibility.org and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States. “More teens are refraining from drinking than ever before. We are working hard to keep drunk and impaired drivers off our roads, and we know that educating people about drink sizes, what is in their drink and their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level will help them make informed, responsible choices.”

Responsibility.org will share tips with legislators and staff on Capitol Hill about responsible alcohol consumption, work with their diverse team of social media influencers to talk about underage drinking prevention and mindfulness with their communities, engage over social media, and distribute resources from the Ask, Listen, Learn underage drinking prevention program with parents and educators through partnerships with Classroom Champions, Discovery Education, and SHAPE America.  The organization will also launch public service announcements made in partnership with 14 state Attorneys General from across the US.

“Alcohol Responsibility Month really is an important time for taking action, highlighting progress, and collaborating with our communities, members, and partners,” said Kimball. “We appreciate everyone who takes a few moments this month to get together with good friends, make good choices, and have good—responsible—times.”

Learn more about Responsibility.org’s Alcohol Responsibility Month and take action here.

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About Responsibility.org
Responsibility.org is a national not-for-profit that aims to eliminate drunk driving and work with others to end all impaired driving, eliminate underage drinking, and empower adults to make a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. Responsibility.org is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi USA, Inc.; Beam Suntory Inc.; Brown-Forman; Campari Group; Constellation Brands; DIAGEO; Edrington, Hotaling & Co.; Mast-Jägermeister US, Inc.; Moët Hennessy USA; Ole Smoky, LLC; Pernod Ricard USA; and William Grant & Sons. For more than 30 years, Responsibility.org has transformed countless lives through programs that bring individuals, families, and communities together to inspire a lifetime of responsible alcohol choices. To learn more, please visit www.Responsibility.org.

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“Today’s release of the 2022 traffic fatality data by NHTSA is a glimmer of hope that we are moving in the right direction,” said Kimball.” Particularly during April, Alcohol Responsibility Month, we are encouraged to see that both traffic fatalities overall and drunk driving deaths specifically declined in 2022—even if only by a narrow margin—after significant increases over the last couple of years. No one should have to share the road with a drunk driver, and even a slight reduction in these fatalities is a shift in the right direction that I hope will continue, consistently reducing lives lost year over year.”

The data show that from 2021 to 2022, 42,514 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on U.S. roadways. This number is staggering, but in fact, it represents a decrease of 1.7%. Risky driving behaviors, such as alcohol-impaired driving, speeding, and failing to use seatbelts, are major behavioral factors contributing to traffic crashes and fatalities. In 2022, among passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes, 45 percent engaged in at least one of these factors and four percent of passenger vehicle drivers were exhibiting all three behavior factors during their fatal traffic crash.

Drunk driving fatalities remained relatively unchanged, decreasing 0.7% from 13,617 in 2021 to 13,524 in 2022, accounting for 32% of overall traffic fatalities. Twenty-four states and the District of Columbia reported declines in the number of drunk driving fatalities from 2021 to 2022, however 24 states saw an increase in alcohol-impaired driving fatalities and two states had no change from 2021 to 2022.

“Despite the reduction in motor vehicle deaths compared to 2021, we must remember that every single one of these alcohol-impaired fatalities was 100% preventable,” continued Kimball. “These statistics reinforce Responsibility.org’s commitment to promote alcohol responsibility and safe driving practices. Included in this is the growing issue of drug-impaired driving which is increasingly concerning. We believe that education, public awareness campaigns, targeted advocacy and employing evidence-based countermeasures are key to reducing impaired driving fatalities. And we will continue to work with all stakeholders to promote responsible alcohol consumption and make our roads safer for everyone.”

NHTSA also released its latest projections for traffic fatalities in 2023, estimating more miles driven and lower fatality rates compared to 2022. It is estimated that 40,990 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2023, a decrease of 3.6% as compared to the 42,514 fatalities reported to have occurred in 2022. This marks the seventh consecutive quarterly reduction in traffic fatalities.

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