Update: The Cars Most Commonly Owned by People with DUIs

There’s no way to tell if a motorist is driving under the influence of alcohol based on the type of vehicle they drive. However, a new study offers some insight into the types of cars owned by drivers with DUIs on their records.

The study from Insurify looked through a database of 4.6 million car insurance applications. When drivers apply for car insurance, they are asked about their prior DUI history and what cars they have driven. These data points allowed researchers to look at what percentage of drivers for a particular car model have been cited for DUIs as of 2022.

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The Top 10 Cars Most Commonly Owned by Drivers with DUIs: Updated.

According to the Insurify study, the ten car models with the highest percentage of owners with reported DUIs for 2022 were:

10: Buick Lucerne — Though this vehicle went out of manufacture in 2011, 28.8 out of 1,000 Lucerne drivers have received DUI citations in the past seven years before 2022. Further, this vehicle does not have the best safety ratings, with an overall 3 out of 5 stars.

9: Toyota Land Cruiser — This vehicle also had 28.8 out of 1,000 drivers with DUI citations, and this large SUV went out of production in 2021. This was Toyota’s most expensive model before it was discontinued, known for its size and luxury components.

8: Audi A5 — 29 out of 1,000 owners of this luxury sedan have reported DUIs. With three different models, the Audi A5 is known as a top choice for its speed, style, and safety in its price range. It is also considered one of Audi’s most reliable models, making it popular.

7: Chevrolet Caprice — While Chevy stopped making the Caprice in 2017, about 29.6 drivers out of 1,000 owned this model and had DUIs reported in 2022. This vehicle has also been commonly used for law enforcement due to its high top speeds of about 155 mph.

6: Cadillac Seville — Another discontinued model (as of 2004), 30.4 of 1,000 Seville owners had DUIs reported, which is over 130 percent of the national average. For three decades, this model was a competing model with luxury European brands.

5: GMC Suburban — Due to its large size and high safety ratings, the Suburban is known as one of the top family vehicles in the U.S. and is still in production. However, 40 out of 1,000 Suburban owners also have past DUI citations. This large SUV can be very dangerous in DUI accidents.

4: Nissan NV — This 12-seat passenger van was discontinued in 2021, but a shocking 34.4 owners out of 1,000 have DUIs in this large van. Driving large vans filled with cargo, passengers, or towing trailers while intoxicated is especially dangerous.

3: Audi A4 Allroad — This sporty and fuel-efficient model, which is still in production, had 35.7 out of 1,000 owners cited for DUIs as of 2022. The vehicle is considered affordable for a sporty luxury sedan, though it is not safety rated.

2: Chevrolet Astro — 37.2 of 1,000 Astro owners had prior DUI citations as of 2022, though the large passenger van was discontinued in 2005. This is a surprising report for the number-two model, as the van is usually used to transport cargo or several passengers at once, which would be highly dangerous while intoxicated.

1: Acura NSX — This is by far the most expensive model on the list, with a starting MSRP of $171,495. However, 46.6 out of 1,000 owners of this supercar had DUI citations. The sports car, with top speeds nearing 200 mph, was discontinued in 2023, though models are still seen on the roads.

So, what does this information tell us? The overall percentage of car owners with a DUI was about 1.32 percent for 2022, according to Insurify, which means all of the models listed above had significantly more drivers with DUIs. In the case of Acura NSX drivers, they had 250 percent more DUIs than average.

Additionally, two of the ten models listed are large passenger vans, which are particularly dangerous for drunk drivers due to their large size and capacity for rolling over. Sports cars were also represented, which indicates drunk drivers might be more prone to speeding.

What is a DUI?

DUI refers to the act of driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is a serious offense that poses a significant risk to the safety of both the driver and other road users. When someone causes an accident while under the influence, the consequences can be devastating for victims.

If you are involved in an accident with a driver who is under the influence, it is crucial to seek legal representation. An experienced DUI attorney can identify and fight for your rights.

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FAQs about Cars Most Commonly Owned by Drivers with DUIs

What car brand has the most DUIs?

As mentioned, studies show that Acura is the brand with the highest rate of DUIs, though it does not necessarily have the highest number, as fewer of these costly vehicles are on the road. However, it’s important to note that the responsibility for a DUI lies solely with the individual who made the choice to drive under the influence, not the car itself. Factors such as availability, affordability, and popularity can contribute to the observation that certain car brands are involved in DUI incidents more often than others.

Who has the highest DUI rate?

Determining who has the highest DUI rate can be challenging due to various factors affecting different regions and demographics. The DUI rate can vary depending on factors such as population density, law enforcement efforts, and cultural influences. However, it is generally observed that younger individuals, particularly males between the ages of 21 and 34, have a higher prevalence of DUI incidents.

What are the car models with the highest DUI rates?

The Insurify study shows that sedans like the Audi A5 and A4, vans like the Nissan NV and Chevy Astro, and SUVs like the Chevy Suburban and Toyota Land Cruiser have some of the highest SUV rates of DUIs.

Certain factors can contribute to DUI incidents and accidents in specific models. Factors such as affordability, performance capabilities, and brand popularity can attract individuals more prone to engage in risky behavior such as driving under the influence. However, any car can be involved in a DUI and accident at any point. It is the choice and behavior of the individual that ultimately determines the driving behavior, not the type of vehicle.

The type of vehicle involved can play a significant role in determining the severity of the accident, however. Larger and heavier vehicles such as trucks and SUVs tend to cause more damage in collisions, especially when the driver is under the influence of alcohol. The increased weight and size of these vehicles make them more difficult to control, especially when impaired judgment and slower reaction times come into play.

In contrast, smaller vehicles like sedans and compact cars may offer less protection in the event of a drunk driving accident. These vehicles are more vulnerable to damage and have a higher risk of serious injuries for both the impaired driver and other parties involved. When a drunk driver loses control of a smaller vehicle, the impact can be devastating both in terms of property damage and personal injury.

Anyone involved in a drunk driving accident should seek legal counsel from an experienced car accident attorney. An attorney from Parnall Law can assess the specific circumstances of the accident, including the type of vehicle involved, and help the injured party pursue the compensation they deserve.

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Injured in a DUI Accident? Contact a Car Accident Attorney in Albuquerque Today

Since 1997, attorney Bert Parnall and the Parnall Law Firm team have defended the rights of DUI accident victims in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico. Helping those injured by negligence is what our Albuquerque car crash lawyers do, and we’ll be ready to stand up and fight for you. Our consultations are always free and confidential, so there is no risk of reaching out to us to discuss your accident. Because we represent clients on a contingency-fee-basis, you won’t have to pay us anything upfront when you hire us. Instead, we’ll collect our fee when we win your case. Call us or reach out to us online on the Hurt? Call Bert website now to speak with an experienced Albuquerque car accident lawyer.