Why New Mexico Ranks 7th Worst in the Nation for Drunk Driving Deaths

By George Farah Sep 19, 2025
drunk driving deaths

New Mexico has many reasons to be proud, but our drunk driving record is not one of them. We may have fewer people than other states, but we still average over 2,000 alcohol-related crashes every year.

How Bad Is Drunk Driving in New Mexico?

New Mexico ranks as one of the most dangerous states in the U.S. for drunk driving.
Recent data from state and national sources shows just how serious the problem is:

  • The New Mexico Monthly Traffic Fatality Report shows that in 2024, 167 deaths were alcohol-related1—40% of all crash fatalities.
  • As of August 2025, 225 people have already died in alcohol-involved crashes statewide.
  • Bernalillo County had the highest number in the state, with 47 alcohol-related deaths in 2024.

Bernalillo County Leads State with 47 Alcohol-Related Traffic Deaths

Forbes Advisor2 ranks New Mexico:

  • 7th worst overall for drunk driving
  • 4th highest for drunk driving deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers

This makes it clear—drunk driving remains a statewide crisis in New Mexico.

Alcohol was involved in 40% of all crash deaths in New Mexico in 2024.

Underage Drinking Adds to the Problem

Drinking is a regular part of life and celebrations in New Mexico, but too often, it leads to people driving drunk. The New Mexico Department of Health3 reports that underage drinking plays a role in 42% of car accidents involving alcohol. Young drivers are also more likely to be involved in suicide, homicide, or be arrested while under the influence.

Minors aged 15 to 20 face the highest risks when drinking and driving. It is illegal for them to buy or consume alcohol, but some parents may allow it at home, thinking it’s safer.

This can lead to legal trouble for both the teen and the parent under New Mexico law4.

What the State is Doing About It

New Mexico is working hard to lower the number of drunk driving crashes and deaths.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) offers DWI/DUI prevention programs5 and driver education training6 to help drivers make better choices. These programs aim to teach people of all ages about the dangers of drinking and driving before it’s too late.

The University of New Mexico7 has researched possible solutions, including a higher alcohol tax to discourage heavy drinking. This could reduce drunk driving by making alcohol less accessible, especially to underage drinkers. Education and prevention are key parts of the state’s long-term strategy.

DWI laws in New Mexico carry serious penalties. Even a first offense can lead to jail time, fines, and a mandatory ignition interlock device installed on your car. Repeat offenders must complete substance abuse treatment and community service as part of their sentence.

Alcohol-related Deaths and Injuries Cost New Mexico $1.2 Billion

the cost of drunk driving According to the 2023 New Mexico DWI Report8, alcohol-related deaths and injuries cost the state over $1.2 billion in total human losses. This includes medical bills, lost income, property damage, and the emotional pain felt by victims and their families.

  • The report found that those most often involved in alcohol-related crashes were ages 15–19 and 36–39.
  • Men were more likely to be killed, and people aged 20–29 made up 28.3% of crash victims.
  • Drivers over age 40 had a higher chance of dying in these crashes than younger drivers.

Underage drinking adds another layer of tragedy to drunk driving. Imagine a 19-year-old drinking illegally, then crashing into a van carrying grandparents and children. That teen could face homicide by vehicle9 charges, plus legal trouble for underage drinking10 while families are left to grieve an avoidable loss.

Injured by a Drunk Driver? Here’s What to Do Next

If you or a loved one is hit by a drunk driver, the offender may be arrested and go to jail. But even when a drunk driver is convicted, that doesn’t always mean they are automatically responsible for your injuries and losses. Understanding when drunk drivers are at fault is an important part of protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve.

A criminal trial serves the state—it doesn’t cover your medical bills or lost wages. You could face serious injuries that affect your ability to work and live normally. However, you do have legal rights and options.

Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced Las Cruces car accident lawyer at Farah Law and learn how we can help you recover.

Sources Cited

  1. https://gps.unm.edu/assets/documents/fatality-reports/webfatallog2024-09sep2025.pdf
  2. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/worst-states-for-drunk-driving/
  3. http://www.nmprevention.org/Project_Docs/UnderageDrinkingin%20NM_Overview&Highlights.pdf
  4. https://www.nmlegis.gov/sessions/04%20Regular/final/HB0487.html
  5. https://www.dot.nm.gov/planning-research-multimodal-and-safety/modal/traffic-safety/impaired-driving-dwi-programs/
  6. https://www.dot.nm.gov/planning-research-multimodal-and-safety/modal/traffic-safety/driver-education-safety/
  7. https://news.unm.edu/news/unm-research-shows-a-higher-alcohol-tax-could-lead-to-fewer-drunk-driving-fatalities
  8. https://gps.unm.edu/tru/reports/dwi-reports/dwir-2023.pdf
  9. https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/24%20Regular/Amendments_In_Context/SB0190.pdf
  10. https://ohp.nmsu.edu/alcohol-substance-use/underage-drinking.html