At Fasig Brooks, we are dedicated to understanding and addressing the critical issues affecting our community. We recently analyzed the 2023 data on impaired driving crashes in Florida to identify the counties with the highest rates of drunk driving incidents.
Our findings showed there have been 1,837 drunk driving crashes in Florida since the start of 2024, leading to 1,008 individuals being injured. With our research, we are aiming to raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving, to ensure safer roads for all in Florida.
Top counties for drunk driving incidents in Florida
Using the data on impaired driving crashes per 100,000 people, from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, we have compiled a ranking of the countries with the most significant number of crashes. Here are the top 20 counties for drunk driving, along with the respective number of crashes, fatalities, and injuries:
| Impaired driving crashes from alcohol in Florida in 2023 per 100,000 people | ||||
| Rank | County | Crashes | Fatalities | Injuries |
| 1 | Bay County | 71 | 2 | 41 |
| 2 | Holmes County | 55 | 0 | 20 |
| 3 | Martin County | 52 | 1 | 31 |
| 4 | Suwannee County | 50 | 2 | 30 |
| 5 | Calhoun County | 45 | 7 | 15 |
| 6 | Franklin County | 40 | 0 | 16 |
| 7 | Gulf County | 38 | 0 | 13 |
| 8 | Pinellas County | 37 | 1 | 22 |
| 9 | Hamilton County | 37 | 0 | 7 |
| 10 | Putnam County | 37 | 8 | 28 |
| 11 | DeSoto County | 36 | 3 | 22 |
| 12 | Wakulla County | 36 | 0 | 36 |
| 13 | Okaloosa County | 35 | 1 | 17 |
| 14 | Walton County | 35 | 1 | 23 |
| 15 | Levy County | 34 | 6 | 15 |
| 16 | Dixie County | 34 | 6 | 46 |
| 17 | Gadsden County | 34 | 5 | 30 |
| 18 | Monroe County | 33 | 1 | 10 |
| 19 | Flagler County | 33 | 4 | 19 |
| 20 | Jefferson County | 32 | 6 | 26 |
Bay County tops the list for the highest number of impaired driving crashes per 100,000 people. There were 71 crashes per 100,000 people in 2023, and this county also reported 2 fatalities and 41 injuries, highlighting the severe consequences of drunk driving in the area.
Despite having fewer crashes than Bay County, Calhoun County reported 7 fatalities, and Putnam County reported 8 fatalities. These counties have the highest number of fatality rates which indicates a need for targeted interventions to reduce the number of severe and fatal crashes.
Several counties, including Holmes, Franklin, Gulf, and Hamilton, reported no fatalities from impaired driving crashes. While this is a positive sign, the number of crashes and injuries still suggests that impaired driving is a significant issue that needs continuous attention.
Implications for Public Safety
Drunk driving incidents occur when the blood alcohol content level of a drunk driver is so high that they are too intoxicated to drive. With 1,837 drunk driving crashes so far in 2024 in Florida, the research highlights the importance of implementing effective measures to combat impaired driving.
Introducing more public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of DUI laws, and community programs aimed at reducing alcohol consumption before driving can help address this issue. Additionally, investing in better infrastructure and support systems for those struggling with alcohol addiction may also contribute to reducing these alarming statistics.
Conclusion
Our analysis of the Florida 2023 drunk driving data reveals that impaired driving remains a major concern across many counties. By identifying the counties with the highest rates of incidents, we can focus our efforts on those areas most in need of intervention. At Fasig Brooks, we are committed to working with local authorities and communities to promote safer driving practices and reduce the incidence of drunk driving.
