How dangerous are drinking drivers?

We present a methodology for measuring the risks posed by drinking drivers that relies solely on readily available data on fatal crashes. The key to o ur identification strategy is a hidden richness inherent in two-car crashes . Drivers with alcohol in their blood are seven times more likely to cause a fatal crash; legally drunk drivers pose a risk 13 times greater than sobe r drivers. The externality per mile driven by a drunk driver is at least 30 cents. At current enforcement rates the punishment per arrest for drunk dr iving that internalizes this externality would be equivalent to a fine of $ 8,000.