About 8 percent of drivers -- roughly 17 million Americans -- admit to have driven drunk at least once in the past year, according to data released in August by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The research also revealed one in five Americans have driven within two hours of drinking alcohol in the last year, and four out of five say drunk driving is a "major threat" to their own and their family's safety. Insurance companies pay close attention to these statistics. People who get convicted of driving under the influence pay higher car insurance rates.

NHTSA also reports that those who reported they drink and drive tend to use alcohol more often than those who drink but choose not to drive afterwards. Among those who reported drinking and driving, more than a quarter, 28 percent, said they consumed alcohol three or more days a week, compared to just 10 percent of drivers who drink but don't drive afterwards.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Transportation kicked of its annual "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest," campaign involving a crackdown on drunk driving through Labor Day.