FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Impaired driving continues to be one of the primary causes of deadly crashes on California roadways.
New research out of Fresno State aims to better understand the problem and identify ways to prevent future tragedies. The yearlong study was done in collaboration with the university’s Transportation Institute and the Central California Public Health Consortium. Researchers found the number of fatal DUI-related crashes in the region was about 5.54 per 100,000 people, roughly twice the state average.
For families who have lost loved ones, the findings highlight the need for change.
May 2, 2025, is a day the families of Jordan Galvez and Maddux Greene say they will never forget. The two best friends were killed in a crash on Clovis Avenue at Shields in East Central Fresno.
“When I got the call. My heart sank. It was Jordan, he was in an accident and it wasn’t good,” said Louie Galvez, Jordan’s father.
“Our son was killed less than two miles from home. He was less than a half mile from his grandma’s house,” said Rob Greene, Maddux’s father.
Authorities say Singh was already on probation for a 2023 DUI conviction. Federal data shows Central California’s DUI fatality rate is more than double the statewide average.
“You’re at a loss for words sometimes because it continues to happen over and over again,” said Kelli Greene, Maddux’s mother.
With grant funding from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Fresno State researchers analyzed DUI crash data from 2010 – 2023 across 12 Central California counties. The study examined fatality patterns and contributing factors.
Dr. Aly Tawfik, director of the Fresno State Transportation Institute, said one notable finding involved drivers’ histories.
“In the analytics part the one factor that turned out to be quite interesting is that about 50% of DUI crashes had prior traffic violations,” Tawfik said.
Researchers also identified when and how these crashes most often occur. They found high-risk days were Friday through Sunday, typically between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m. Nearly 1,200 drivers involved were between the ages of 25 and 34. About 34% were recorded speeding, with an average of DUI drivers going 23 miles per hour over the speed limit.
The study also looks at other factors that could play a role.
“We also have lots of socioeconomic, how many workers, what’s their average income, and their education. We also have information about traffic. How many highways, how many miles,” Tawfik said.
Amber Shaver, a data scientist working on the project, believes DUI fatalities are a public health issue.
“People may think it doesn’t affect them because they’re not the one behind the wheel, but they’re a part of your community,” Shaver said.
The study is now in its second phase. At the state level, the California Office of Traffic Safety is working with local agencies to reduce DUI-related deaths.
“We would like there to be no DUIs, and we will continue to work hard until we can achieve that,” said Cambi Brown with the Office of Traffic Safety.
“I’ll continue to wear it to keep their legacy alive. To keep their memories alive,” Louie Galvez said.
The Fresno State study is expected to be completed in September, with researchers planning to share their findings with partners as they continue efforts to address DUI-related fatalities.
Click here to see a breakdown of the study and look at the statistics on DUI-related fatalities in Central California.
Click here to see video story from ABC 30.
