NYC DWI Statistics by Borough (Latest)

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) can cause a lot of problems for everyone on the road, not just you. By choosing to drive drunk, you are endangering every other driver on the road, as well as every pedestrian on the sidewalk. Anything could happen, and it would largely be out of your control to stop it. A DWI could have severe consequences for your life beyond the road. Understanding the NYC DWI statistics by borough can help you be prepared for your case.

Getting a DWI in New York

The state of New York takes DWI violations very seriously. The state has some of the strictest and most restrictive drunk driving laws in the country. The various state courts may not hesitate to try to make an example out of you by holding you fully accountable and pushing for the harshest possible sentence in the event of a DWI conviction. It is vital to your case that you reach out to an experienced DWI lawyer who can help you figure out a strategy for your case.

In New York, if you are pulled over for a suspected DWI and you are found to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, it will be enough to get you arrested. Getting arrested can feel like you’ve already lost your case, and it’s understandable to feel that way. Depending on your case, you may have more of a chance to beat the charges than you might think. A good lawyer can fill you in on your options and help you make a plan.

New York City DWI Statistics By Borough

DWI statistics vary from borough to borough in New York City. While every borough’s police force handles DWI violations in its own way, the end result is always to keep people safe and discourage drunk driving on a grand scale. Understanding each borough’s DWI statistics can help you further understand the NYPD’s goal and maybe avoid certain behaviors in the future. Here are some of the five boroughs’ DWI statistics as of November 2024:

In the state of New York alone, there were nearly 19,500 DUI arrests in 2024.

Manhattan

In Manhattan in 2024, there were 1,231 car accidents in the borough. Of those 1,231, there were 2,176 motorists, 121 passengers, 116 cyclists, and 157 pedestrians involved. Of those 1,231 car accidents, 13 involved alcohol.

The Bronx

In the Bronx in 2024, there were 1,051 car accidents in the borough. Of those 1,051, there were 1,968 motorists, 191 passengers, 35 cyclists, and 162 pedestrians involved. Of those 1,051 car accidents, 21 involved alcohol.

Brooklyn

In Brooklyn in 2024, there were 2,353 car accidents in the borough. Of those 2,353, there were 4,457 motorists, 376 passengers, 144 cyclists, and 307 pedestrians involved. Of those 2,353 car accidents, 49 involved alcohol.

Queens

In Queens in 2024, there were 2,016 car accidents in the borough. Of those 2,016 there were 3,951 motorists, 373 passengers, 64 cyclists, and 265 pedestrians involved. Of those 2,016 car accidents, 50 involved alcohol.

Staten Island

In Staten Island in 2024, there were 388 car accidents in the borough. Of those 388, there were 723 motorists, 54 passengers, nine cyclists, and 46 pedestrians involved. Of those 388 car accidents, eight involved alcohol.

FAQs

Q: What Borough Has the Highest Crime in New York City?

A: Generally, the borough of New York City that has the highest crime rate is the Bronx. The South Bronx is widely considered one of the city’s most dangerous neighborhoods. The Bronx has a unique history of unemployment, poverty, and restricted access to education, all of which are factors that often contribute to high crime rates.

Q: Is a DWI Worse Than a DUI in New York?

A: Generally, a DWI is often worse than a DUI in New York. DUI means “driving under the influence,” while DWI means “driving while intoxicated.” While both are dangerous behaviors and can result in criminal convictions, a DWI generally involves a higher blood alcohol content (BAC). When it comes to legalities, New York doesn’t usually use DUI when describing drunk driving offenses.

Q: What Is the DWI Level in New York City?

A: To be arrested and charged with a DWI violation in New York City, you have to have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of at least 0.08% or higher. When you perform a breathalyzer test for the arresting officer, what happens next will be determined by the BAC levels that the test shows. If you are driving a commercial vehicle and are pulled over for drunk driving, your BAC levels cannot rise above 0.04%.

Q: How Many People Have Died From Drunk Driving in New York?

A: It can be difficult to determine exactly how many people have died as a result of drunk driving in New York. Generally, drunk driving in New York causes thousands of fatal car accidents every year, but the number fluctuates from year to year. A considerable amount of car accident deaths in New York involve drugs or alcohol to some degree.

Reach Out to an Experienced DWI Lawyer Today

Regardless of which borough you are pulled over in, a DWI conviction is going to follow you for the rest of your life and can cause a great deal of stress to your life. The last thing you want is for one mistake to define the rest of your life. The only way to truly fight the charges being made against you is to hire an experienced DWI lawyer who can actively fight for you, help you build a strong legal defense strategy, and protect your interests throughout your entire case.

The legal team at Greco Neyland, PC, knows what kind of legal help you need to combat a DWI charge. We can help you build up a solid case, develop a defense strategy, gather evidence that supports your claim, and make sure you are never taken advantage of. Contact us to speak with a valued team member about your case and schedule a consultation.