I think because of the focus on DWI and traffic fatalities, we are under the false assumptions that the numbers are much higher. Well, that isn't the case. Drug-related deaths have already surpassed traffic deaths, and gun deaths are probably going to in the next few years. Some recent numbers:
U.S. drug-related deaths (2010) 38,329
U.S. traffic fatalities (2011) 32,310
U.S. gun fatalities (2011) 31,672
U.S. DWI fatalities (2011) 9,878
So, I'll bet you're surprised. I know I was. That isn't the impression we get in the media or from politicians.
Drug deaths top traffic fatalities; gun deaths close
BTW, traffic deaths include DWI deaths. They aren't two separate categories. I just broke out DWI fatals as a point of comparison, as they receive much more publicity than gun and drug deaths despite being a much smaller number. The power of a well-funded lobby.