The Sobering Truth: The Impact of Drunk Driving

Drunk Driving Statistics
Every day in the United States, around 29 people are killed as a result of drunk driving accidents. In 2018, 28 percent of all accident-related fatalities involved a drunk driver.
These fatalities included vehicle drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and non-occupants, such as pedestrians or cyclists. The most at-risk groups for drunk driving fatalities are young people, motorcyclists, and repeat DUI offenders.
Among drivers with over the legal BAC in their system in 2016, 27 percent were between the ages of 25 and 35. The second group, ages 21 to 24, came in at 26 percent. In the same study, 25 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents involved drivers who were over the legal alcohol limit.
Prevention
There are several resources available to keep ourselves and others safe from the dangers of driving while drunk. The most important preventative method is to never, under any circumstances, drink and drive.
Have A Designated Driver
If you plan on going out and having a good time, but know you’re likely to overindulge, find a designated driver. A designated driver is someone who abstains from drinking to drive the other people in the group safely.
Your designated driver can be a friend in your group or a family member willing to come to pick you up. Plan ahead so you already have a designated driver in place. Any surprises might lead you to consider drinking and driving at the end of the night.
Call For A Ride
Now, more than ever, there are plenty of services that offer a ride if you don’t have a designated driver. If you didn’t plan ahead but are too drunk to drive, call a friend, family member, or ride-share service.
Ride-share services, like Uber or Lyft, can have someone there to pick you up within minutes and take you to your destination. All you need to do is have the app on your phone.
They are an effective option when you don’t have anyone else to call. You can even use these services to return to your vehicle the next day once you’ve sobered up.
Know Your Limits
If you’re in a situation where you know you have to drive home, it’s vital to be self-aware. Know your limits when it comes to alcohol. Hand over your keys to a trusted friend if you know you have a habit of being irresponsible when you’re drinking.
Consider why you’re drinking so much when you go out. Do you have social anxiety? Has it become a habit? Try having some sober nights out or practice moderation by occasionally volunteering to be the designated driver for your friend group.
If you want to drink, don’t have more than a couple and, if you do overindulge, switch to water. Give yourself at least a few hours before hitting the road.
In general, if you have doubts about your ability to drive safely, you shouldn’t be driving. Stay where you are for the evening or call for a ride if you need to leave.
Seek Professional Help For A Drinking Problem
If you are suffering from alcoholism and suspect that may be the root of your desire to drive drunk, it’s time to seek professional help.
Alcoholism is a chronic brain disease characterized by uncontrollable drinking and depressive thoughts. It can lead to poor judgment and dangerous behavior.
There are several programs available to help those struggling with alcoholism. Alcohol rehab treatments include alcohol detoxing and inpatient or outpatient programs. You can also join support groups like Alcoholic’s Anonymous (AA).
Remember The Dangers Of Drunk Driving
The next time you think about getting behind the wheel after several drinks, consider the dangers of drunk driving. The consequences can be severe and have the ability to change the course of your life.
Keep fellow drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe by getting a ride from a sober driver or staying put. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol, you can get help. Contact us today to get on the road to recovery.
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