Drunk Driving in Oklahoma: Why ADSAC Assessments and DUI Schools Matter
- Step Three, Inc. Staff
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
At Step Three, Inc., the mission is to help build safer communities in part by reducing the dangers of impaired driving. As a non-profit with a state contract through the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS), Step Three provides drug and alcohol assessments, ADSAC assessments, and DUI schools (10-hour and 24-hour programs) for individuals charged with alcohol- or drug-related driving offenses.
Located in Broken Bow, Step Three offers in-person services along with statewide access through secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth technology approved by both ODMHSAS and the courts. These programs are more than a legal requirement — they are part of a broader effort to prevent repeat offenses and save lives.
The State of Drunk Driving in Oklahoma
Despite years of prevention campaigns, impaired driving remains one of Oklahoma’s most serious traffic safety issues. Data show just how significant the problem is:
In 2022, Oklahoma recorded 710 fatal crashes, with 361 involving alcohol or drugs (News 9, 2023).
In 2023, there were 716 fatal crashes, with 339 tied to impairment (News 9, 2024).
According to Forbes Advisor, Oklahoma ranks among the top 10 states for the highest rate of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, and 14th in the rate of people killed in crashes involving a drunk driver (Forbes Advisor, 2025).
The state also has the 10th-highest share of drunk drivers under 21 involved in fatal crashes (0.55 per 100,000 licensed drivers) (Forbes Advisor, 2025).
In 2018, more than 22% of fatal crashes in Oklahoma involved alcohol (Lawter & Associates, 2019).
In 2021, law enforcement made 10,412 DUI arrests statewide (Handley Law Center, 2022).
These numbers show that impaired driving is not just a legal concern, it’s a public safety crisis with devastating consequences for families across the state.
Law Enforcement and Local Impact
Agencies like the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and the McCurtain County Sheriff’s Department are on the front lines of addressing this issue. Their work saves lives, but enforcement alone cannot fully solve the problem. Oklahoma’s geography and population spread create challenges that influence where and how drunk driving incidents occur.
Unique Challenges in Rural Oklahoma
While impaired driving is a statewide concern, the risks are often magnified in rural areas of Oklahoma. Communities outside major metro regions face unique challenges that make drunk driving more common and often more deadly.
Limited transportation alternatives tend to be one of the biggest issues. Unlike larger cities with taxis, ride-share services, or public transit, rural towns often have no safe options for people who have been drinking outside of finding a designated driver, and those can sometimes be difficult to come by.
Cultural norms and social pressure also play a role. For example, in many rural communities, independence and self-reliance are highly valued, which can lead to a greater tolerance for risky behaviors like driving under the influence.
Community gatherings and family events may further increase pressure to drive, even when impaired.
Another factor is the reduced law enforcement presence in rural areas. With fewer deputies and troopers covering large stretches of highway, some drivers assume the risk of being caught is low. Unfortunately, this assumption can lead to dangerous decisions.
Finally, roadway conditions in rural Oklahoma increase the danger. Two-lane highways, dark country roads, and fewer traffic controls make crashes more severe when impairment is involved. Many rural fatal crashes involve roadway departures or speeding, both of which are worsened by alcohol use.
The result is clear: rural areas in Oklahoma often experience higher alcohol-related fatality rates than urban areas (Oklahoma Highway Safety Office, 2021).
Community-Based Prevention Efforts
Reducing impaired driving requires more than arrests and penalties — it calls for community-wide prevention. Effective strategies include:
Planning ahead: Choosing a designated driver before drinking.
Ride alternatives: Using ride-share, taxis, or SafeRide programs where
available. Some churches and civic groups in rural communities also provide safe transportation.
Peer accountability: Friends and family encouraging one another not to drive after drinking.
When prevention becomes a shared responsibility, fewer lives are lost to impaired driving.
DUI Education and Reduced Recidivism
Research consistently shows that DUI education programs and drug and alcohol education reduce recidivism rates among DUI offenders.
These programs combine awareness-building with strategies for long-term change.
Participants learn about the dangers of impaired driving, the legal and personal consequences of a DUI, and the effects of alcohol and drugs on judgment and coordination. They also work on behavioral changes, such as planning transportation, setting limits on drinking, and avoiding risky environments.
Some programs go further by addressing underlying substance use issues, processing the relationship a driver has with mood altering substances and connecting participants to a higher level of treatment when needed.
The evidence is strong:
A meta-analysis of 215 DUI intervention programs found that education reduced recidivism by 7–9% compared to no intervention (Taylor & Francis Online, 2006).
A study comparing a Sober Driver Program to legal sanctions alone found participants in the program had significantly lower repeat offenses two years later (National Institutes of Health, 2010).
Evaluations of drug courts that include education and treatment consistently show reduced recidivism (NIH, 2012).
These findings confirm the value of programs like ADSAC assessments and DUI schools: they don’t just meet court requirements, they help individuals make lasting changes that keep Oklahoma roads safer.
Why ADSAC Assessments and DUI Schools Are Critical
For individuals facing DUI or alcohol-related driving charges, ADSAC assessments and DUI schools are often required steps before regaining driving privileges. But their importance goes beyond compliance.
ADSAC Assessments: A structured evaluation that measures the individual’s risk level and makes tailored recommendations for education or treatment.
10-Hour and 24-Hour DUI Schools: Evidence-based courses that address the effects of drugs and alcohol, the risks of impaired driving, and the tools needed to prevent repeat offenses.
At Step Three, Inc., these services are provided in a confidential, respectful manner. The goal is not simply to fulfill a legal requirement but to help individuals take responsibility and prevent future harm to themselves, and others.
Community Safety Is the Goal
Every fatal crash caused by impaired driving represents more than a statistic, it’s a family changed forever.
The combination of education, accountability, and enforcement remains the most effective way to combat the problem.
Organizations like Step Three, Inc. work alongside law enforcement to ensure that individuals who are ordered to complete an ADSAC assessment gain access have access to high-quality, state-certified programs.
By addressing both the behavior and the underlying issues with substance use, these services help reduce recidivism and make Oklahoma’s roads safer for everyone.
Taking the Next Step
If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI or other alcohol-related driving offense in Oklahoma, completing an ADSAC assessment and enrolling in a DUI school is not only a requirement — it’s an opportunity for change.
Step Three, Inc. provides:
State-certified ADSAC assessments
10-hour and 24-hour DUI school programs
Services available in person in Broken Bow or online statewide through HIPAA-compliant telehealth
👉 Contact Step Three, Inc. today to schedule your assessment or register for DUI school. Together, we can build safer communities across Oklahoma.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How long does an ADSAC assessment take? Most assessments last between 1.5 to 2 hours and include a structured interview along with standardized tools to determine your specific recommendations.
What is the difference between the 10-hour and 24-hour DUI school? The 10-hour class is typically required for first-time, lower-risk offenders. The 24-hour program is reserved for higher-risk or repeat offenders. Both meet state and court requirements.
Can I complete the ADSAC assessment online? Yes. Step Three, Inc. offers secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions that are approved by ODMHSAS and Oklahoma courts. You can complete your assessment via computer, tablet or cell phone.
What happens if I don’t complete my ADSAC requirements? Failure to complete required assessments or education can prevent driver’s license reinstatement and may result in additional court consequences
Sources:
News 9. “Oklahoma Highway Safety Data, 2022–2023 Fatal Crash Reports.”
Forbes Advisor. “Drunk Driving Statistics by State.” Jan 3, 2025.
Lawter & Associates. “Oklahoma Drunk Driving Statistics.” 2019.
The Handley Law Center. “DUI Arrest Statistics in Oklahoma.” 2022.
Oklahoma Highway Safety Office. Crash Data Reports. 2021.
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