Pennsylvania DUI statistics show that driving under the influence remains a serious issue, even though it has been illegal in all 50 states for decades. Despite clear laws and ongoing enforcement, DUI-related crashes continue to happen across the Commonwealth every year.

Understanding DUI accident statistics matters for more than just public safety. These numbers also help drivers understand how aggressively DUI laws are enforced in Pennsylvania and why the consequences of a DUI charge can be severe.

This post breaks down how often DUI arrests and crashes occur in Pennsylvania, who is most affected, and when the risk is highest. The goal is simple: give you clear context around the realities of DUI enforcement and accident trends.

These statistics also explain why Pennsylvania treats DUI offenses seriously — and why even first-time charges can carry lasting legal consequences.

How Common Are DUI Arrests in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania’s DUI law, found under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802, makes it illegal to drive, operate, or be in actual physical control of a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher, or while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Each year, thousands of drivers are arrested across Pennsylvania for alcohol- or drug-related DUI offenses. These arrests are not limited to traffic stops alone — many occur after crashes, roadside investigations, or checkpoint enforcement.

DUI arrests also spike during major holiday periods. During long weekends and seasonal travel times, hundreds of DUI arrests can occur in just a few days, highlighting how intensive enforcement becomes when alcohol use and travel increase.

Alcohol-Related Crashes in Pennsylvania

DUI Crashes Continue to Cause Serious Injuries and Deaths

According to PennDOT crash data, Pennsylvania sees thousands of alcohol-related crashes every year. These crashes result in hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries statewide.

While recent years have shown slight improvements compared to earlier totals, impaired driving remains one of the leading contributors to serious and fatal traffic accidents. DUI-related crashes continue to account for a significant share of traffic fatalities across the state.

Even with increased awareness and enforcement, DUI remains a top roadway safety concern — especially during high-risk periods like weekends and holidays (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, 2023).

DUI Crashes Are More Likely to Be Fatal

Pennsylvania DUI statistics consistently show that crashes involving alcohol are far more likely to result in fatal injuries than crashes where alcohol is not a factor. Impaired driving reduces reaction time, judgment, and coordination — all of which increase the severity of accidents when they occur.

Several dangerous behaviors are commonly linked to DUI crashes, including:

Speeding
Wrong-way driving
Failure to obey traffic signals or signs

These factors dramatically raise the risk of serious injury or death, which is why DUI-related crashes are treated as a major public safety concern across the state.

Who is Most Affected by DUI Accidents in Pennsylvania?

Age Groups and Risk Patterns

DUI crash data highlights clear age-related trends. Underage drinking and driving remains a concern, particularly among drivers aged 16 to 20, despite improvements in recent years.

While some age brackets have shown progress, risk remains high. The 21 to 25 age group continues to account for the highest number of deadly DUI-related crashes in Pennsylvania, making it a key focus for enforcement and prevention efforts.

Gender Trends in DUI-Related Accidents

Data also shows that the majority of drivers involved in DUI-related crashes are male. This trend has led to targeted enforcement and education efforts aimed at reducing risky behaviors commonly associated with impaired driving.

DUI Accidents Increase Around Holidays

Why Holidays Are Especially Dangerous

Holidays consistently see an increase in DUI crashes. Several factors contribute to this pattern:

Social drinking at parties and gatherings
Increased travel on unfamiliar roads
Late-night driving after events

A notable percentage of holiday crashes and traffic fatalities involve alcohol, underscoring why law enforcement increases DUI patrols during these periods.

The Most Dangerous Holidays for DUI Accidents

Certain holidays are consistently among the highest risk for DUI crashes in Pennsylvania, including:

Thanksgiving
Christmas
New Year’s
Independence Day
Memorial Day
Labor Day

During these times, DUI enforcement is especially aggressive.

Holiday DUI Enforcement Puts the Numbers in Perspective

Pennsylvania DUI statistics become even more concerning during the holiday season. During Thanksgiving alone, Pennsylvania State Police investigated over 1,100 crashes and made more than 450 DUI arrests statewide in just five days — and that number only includes incidents handled by state troopers. As Christmas and New Year’s approach, enforcement ramps up even further with additional patrols, checkpoints, and targeted DUI stops. For a deeper breakdown of what happens during the holidays — and what it means for drivers — read our full post: on Thanksgiving DUI’s in Pennsylvania.

What These DUI Accident Statistics Mean for Pennsylvania Drivers

The data makes one thing clear: DUI enforcement in Pennsylvania is data-driven and aggressive, particularly during high-risk periods like holidays and long weekends.

Many DUI arrests occur after accidents, not just during routine traffic stops. In many cases, drivers believed they were “okay to drive” — until a crash or investigation proved otherwise.

Understanding these trends helps explain why Pennsylvania takes DUI offenses seriously and why penalties can be severe even for first-time offenders.

Conclusion: Understanding the Numbers Helps You Understand the Law

DUI accidents remain a serious public safety issue in Pennsylvania. The statistics don’t just tell a story about crashes — they explain why DUI laws are strict, enforcement is consistent, and penalties are significant.

Being informed helps drivers make safer decisions and understand the legal risks involved. And if a DUI charge does arise, it should never be taken lightly. If you’re facing DUI charges in Pennsylvania — whether or not an accident was involved — speak with an experienced Pennsylvania DUI lawyer as soon as possible to understand your rights and options.