Feds: Spike in Female DUIs "Disturbing"

There is an increasing trend among women driving under the influence of alcohol, according to a new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and data from the FBI.

Statistics from the FBI show that arrests for women driving under the influence increased by nearly 30 percent (28.8 percent) over the 10-year period from 1998 to 2007. Over that same decade, DUI arrests for men decreased by 7.5 percent, although the total number of men arrested during the period outstripped women by about four to one.

"Impaired driving is an issue that cuts across all segments of society and, sadly, the number of arrests of women driving under the influence is on the rise," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This is clearly a very disturbing trend."

The NHTSA study confirmed the FBI statistics showing that impaired driving by women is becoming a national safety issue, according to a statement by the Department of Transportation. The NHTSA analysis shows the number of impaired women drivers involved in fatal crashes increased in 10 states, and remained flat in five states - despite an overall decline of 9 percent in all drunk driver crashes in 2008 from 2007.

On Wednesday, LaHood kicked off a nationwide anti-drunk driving campaign that will continue through the Labor Day holiday weekend. The annual crackdown is intended to reduce the tragic toll caused by impaired drivers, nearly 12,000 fatalities in 2008.