More than 10,000 deaths per year are attributed to drunk driving in the United States. Accordingly, legislators around the country have made it a priority to prosecute motorists accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Police across America arrest allegedly impaired drivers every day, but a review of law enforcement records shows that South Dakotans are more likely to be arrested on a drunk-driving charge than residents of any other state.

When comparing the number of DUI arrests versus each state’s population, South Dakota’s arrest rate was 160 percent higher than the national average. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were more than 938 drunk-driving arrests per 100,000 state residents. This is more than five times the arrest rate in some jurisdictions. Several factors have been used to explain why motorists are taken into custody so much more often here than anywhere else in the United States, such as:

• Rural roadways — With long stretches of open roads and limited public transportation options, South Dakotans often feel they have to drive themselves home after consuming alcohol. Some might believe that lightly traveled roads pose less of a danger. 

• Harsh weather — Ice and snow can exacerbate the dangers of impaired driving, leading to more accidents and arrests.

• Speeding — In sparsely populated areas, motorists frequently exceed the speed limit, prompting police officers to pull them over. 

South Dakota’s high DUI arrest rate is not an isolated issue. Nearby states like North Dakota, Montana and Wyoming also report elevated rates of impaired driving arrests. These states share similar characteristics, including rural landscapes, limited public transit and cultural attitudes toward alcohol. Still, arrests are much more frequent here, perhaps indicating different law enforcement approaches. 

If you have been charged with driving under the influence, there are several potential defenses that might allow you to avoid punishment or resolve the case in a way that minimizes the disruption to your life. Even if your blood-alcohol concentration exceeded the standard state limit of .08 percent, an experienced defense lawyer can help you counter the allegations made by the authorities.  

Anker Law Group in Rapid City defends South Dakotans accused of driving while intoxicated and other criminal offenses. For a consultation, please call 605-519-5967 or contact us online.