Pontiac hasn’t made a new car since 2010. But its drivers are still out there, keeping the dream alive. And by “dream,” I mean Pontiac drivers are running up DUIs like a dive bar tab.
According to LendingTree’s 2024 study, “Pontiac overtakes BMW as the brand with the highest DUI rate.” That’s right—Pontiac, a brand that no longer exists, has more DUIs per driver than BMW, Tesla, or Ram.
Pontiac drivers are still partying like it’s 1999–and their DUIs prove it
LendingTree found that “Pontiac drivers had a DUI rate of 3.11 per 1,000 drivers—a massive jump from 1.09 in our last analysis.” That’s nearly triple the DUI rate in just one year. If you’re wondering why, you’ve clearly never met a guy with a Firebird, a mullet, and a six pack of Budweiser. I mean, Pontiac is the brand immortalized by Smokey and the Bandit which is basically a two-hour Coors commercial.
Meanwhile, “BMW, which had the highest DUI rate last time, had 2.57 DUIs per 1,000 drivers.” Tesla came in third at “2.23 DUIs per 1,000 drivers.” Driver aid technology is no excuse for drunk driving, but at least the Tesla owners have automatic emergency braking. The Pontiac guys probably don’t have working airbags anymore. Pontiac drivers are truly in a league of their own.
Meanwhile Mercury, another car brand cancelled after the 2009 recession, has the best drivers. It has the distinction of the fewest driving incidents per 1,000 drivers.
The fastest cars aren’t always the biggest offenders
Speed seems to be a factor in DUI rates. LendingTree points out that “the cheapest Tesla—a standard Model 3 with rear-wheel drive—can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.” That’s faster than some sports cars. But despite Tesla’s quick acceleration, its DUI rate still lags behind Pontiac.
Insurance companies have noticed. “If Tesla drivers get into accidents at a higher rate than other drivers, insurance companies will probably spend more to insure them than other vehicles.” Now imagine insuring a Pontiac—no factory support, a 15-year-old powertrain, and apparently a driver who just finished their fourth Bud Light.
Drunk driving isn’t funny—it’s deadly.
Jokes aside, DUI stats matter. “Alcohol-related traffic fatalities dropped considerably between 1982 and 2011… However, these fatalities increased dramatically in 2020 and 2021, rising by 36% since 2011.” Pontiac drivers might hold the record, but they’re not alone. “North Carolina, Wyoming, and New Jersey round out the top five states with the highest DUI rates.” If you drive, stay sober. If you drink, get a ride. Getting to go for a drive—even in a cool Pontiac—isn’t worth your life.
