Things To Know About Drunk Driving
Drunk driving has long been a problem in the United States for a couple of decades now.
In 2007 alone, almost thirteen thousand people died as a result of DUI (driving while under the influence) related accidents.
Although there has been a significant decrease in the number of DUI related deaths since the 80s, DUI is still the leading cause of road accidents and deaths in the United States.
In fact, DUI comprise 40 percent of all road accidents in the United States.
Here are some drunk driving facts to keep you on your toes:
Teens vs. Adults
Teen drivers are forty percent more likely to be involved in a car accident than their older counterparts.
In fact, about 60 percent of all teen car accidents are DUI related.
To underscore the prevalence of the problem, you should know that every year about 522 children under the age of 14 are arrested for drunk driving.
Why is the number so high for teenagers when if you think about it, teen drivers only comprise about 10 percent of the whole population?
There are different factors.
Feeling of personal freedom -Reaching the age of 21 means they are legally able to purchase alcoholic beverages. Most abuse this freedom and engage in binge drinking. In fact, teens aged 21 are 44% more likely to engage in binge drinking than other age groups.
Feelings of invincibility Teens normally overestimate what they are capable of. This includes overestimating their driving skills and their tolerance for alcohol. Combine both and you have an accident brewing.
Peer-Pressure Alcohol dependence usually starts with being exposed to people who are also alcohol dependent. This is when drinking and driving habits are formed. In fact, approximately 1 out of 10 children aged 12 and 13 are already drinking alcohol once a month.
Men vs. Women
According to studies, men are more likely to be involved in a car accident compared to women.
That is why insurance premiums are higher with teenage boys than with teenage girls.
However, in the past years, there has also been a steady increase in the number of DUI accidents that involve women drivers.
One of the factors being looked at is the increase in the number of women drivers in the United State
Beer vs. Wine
According to studies, about 80 percent of all DUI related fatalities are because of beer consumption.
Another fact about beer is that it is the most common choice of drink for binge and heavy drinking and underage drinking.
It is not a surprise that most drivers stopped for DUI have had beer than any other form of alcohol.
Liquor and wine is the second choice of drink after beer. It comprises about 20% of all DUI related accidents.
Prevention
Here are some tips on how to prevent DUI related accidents:
Assign a designated driver within the group who will not drink
Drink at locations that are walking distance from your home
Avail of services that will take both you and your car home
Look for public transportation like buses and cabs
Ask the bartender for help and let him know who the designated driver is
Drink non-alcoholic drinks
In 2007 alone, almost thirteen thousand people died as a result of DUI (driving while under the influence) related accidents.
Although there has been a significant decrease in the number of DUI related deaths since the 80s, DUI is still the leading cause of road accidents and deaths in the United States.
In fact, DUI comprise 40 percent of all road accidents in the United States.
Here are some drunk driving facts to keep you on your toes:
Teens vs. Adults
Teen drivers are forty percent more likely to be involved in a car accident than their older counterparts.
In fact, about 60 percent of all teen car accidents are DUI related.
To underscore the prevalence of the problem, you should know that every year about 522 children under the age of 14 are arrested for drunk driving.
Why is the number so high for teenagers when if you think about it, teen drivers only comprise about 10 percent of the whole population?
There are different factors.
Feeling of personal freedom -Reaching the age of 21 means they are legally able to purchase alcoholic beverages. Most abuse this freedom and engage in binge drinking. In fact, teens aged 21 are 44% more likely to engage in binge drinking than other age groups.
Feelings of invincibility Teens normally overestimate what they are capable of. This includes overestimating their driving skills and their tolerance for alcohol. Combine both and you have an accident brewing.
Peer-Pressure Alcohol dependence usually starts with being exposed to people who are also alcohol dependent. This is when drinking and driving habits are formed. In fact, approximately 1 out of 10 children aged 12 and 13 are already drinking alcohol once a month.
Men vs. Women
According to studies, men are more likely to be involved in a car accident compared to women.
That is why insurance premiums are higher with teenage boys than with teenage girls.
However, in the past years, there has also been a steady increase in the number of DUI accidents that involve women drivers.
One of the factors being looked at is the increase in the number of women drivers in the United State
Beer vs. Wine
According to studies, about 80 percent of all DUI related fatalities are because of beer consumption.
Another fact about beer is that it is the most common choice of drink for binge and heavy drinking and underage drinking.
It is not a surprise that most drivers stopped for DUI have had beer than any other form of alcohol.
Liquor and wine is the second choice of drink after beer. It comprises about 20% of all DUI related accidents.
Prevention
Here are some tips on how to prevent DUI related accidents:
Assign a designated driver within the group who will not drink
Drink at locations that are walking distance from your home
Avail of services that will take both you and your car home
Look for public transportation like buses and cabs
Ask the bartender for help and let him know who the designated driver is
Drink non-alcoholic drinks
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