Drivers with repeat convictions or arrests for driving while impaired--United States.

In 1992 (the latest year for which data are available), more than 1.6 million persons in the United States (approximately 1% of licensed drivers) were arrested for driving while impaired (DWI) (1). Persons arrested for DWI are at substantially greater risk for future death in a motor-vehicle crash involving alcohol than those who have not been arrested for DWI, and this risk increases directly in relation to the number of DWI arrests (2). In addition, drivers convicted for DWI are at greater risk of being involved in a fatal crash, regardless of whether they are killed (3). This report summarizes data about convictions and arrests for DWI from state traffic safety officials analyzed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) during 1994.