DETROIT – You’ve seen the message spelled out across billboards riding down the road. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” It’s a campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In 2022, one person was killed about every 39 minutes in a drunk driving crash. But a new survey shows that Detroiters are steering clear of trouble because the penalties are costing them.
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Detroit has been ranked number 1 lowest for DUI rates in the nation. But why? You can thank auto insurance companies. It seems they know what to do with drunk driver’s wallets after getting behind the wheel drunk.
Detroit drivers face the highest increases in auto insurance premiums after a DUI. Lending Tree reports the annual auto insurance premiums with a DUI in Detroit is $13,772. The rate without a DUI is $6,138. That’s a hike of $7,634. On average, the total annual increase in auto insurance premiums with a DUI across 50 states is $1,876.
Out of Washington D.C. and Oklahoma City, Detroit has the lowest DUI rates with only 0.02 DUI rates per 1,000 drivers. Raleigh, NC has the highest DUI rates with 1.46 per 1,000 drivers.
With that said, if you’re thinking about getting behind the wheel drunk, remember “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” - another campaign by the NHTSA.
Here’s a few tips from the NHTSA on being responsible:
- Before drinking, choose a designated driver, or schedule a ride-sharing service.
- If you are hosting a party where there’s alcohol, offer non-alcoholic drink options and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat – it’s the best defense against drunk drivers.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, safely pull over and call law enforcement.