Drinking and driving is a common term for driving an automobile after consuming alcohol. Many people are aware that drinking affects the ability to drive, but can also downplay just how serious it can be for everyone involved.
For years, people have studied just how much drinking effects the ability to drive safely. They’ve uncovered facts everyone should know.
5 Commonly Unknown Facts About Drinking and Driving
It’s normal not to know everything there is to know about drinking and driving, but many people find these facts very surprising:
- In the United States, drivers under 21 cannot drive with any level of alcohol in their system.
- The average person arrested for driving under the influence has done so 80 times before his or her first arrest.
- A growing number of accidents occur on vehicles other than cars, such as snowmobiles and jet-skis.
- Car accidents are the leading cause of death in American teens.
- Nothing can lower blood alcohol content (BAC) besides time. Showers, caffeine and/or exercise do nothing.
Drinking and Driving Statistics and Facts
First, we must look at just how common a problem driving under the influence can be:
- Someone dies due to a drunk driver in America every 51 minutes, or 27 times per day.
- Around one-third of all fatal car crashes involve an intoxicated person.
- A drunk-driving related injury occurs every 120 seconds in America.
- Around 13 thousand people die from alcohol-related car crashes annually.
- More than 1.4 million DUI arrests in America are made each year.
It’s clear that driving while under the influence of alcohol is a serious problem in the United States. Millions of lives could be saved by preventing people from driving under the influence of alcohol.
The Dangers of Drinking and Driving
The facts regarding drinking and driving prove that alcohol has a large negative impact on road safety. What do we know about alcohol’s effects on driving itself?
Drinking can influence driving ability after only one drink. Contrary to what many people believe, the quality or variety of what is being consumed does not have a direct effect on driving. For example, drinking the same amount of alcohol in wine coolers — as opposed to tequila — will not affect the driver differently. The strongest predictor of impaired driving ability is how many drinks are consumed over a period of time.
The general rule for safe alcohol consumption is one drink per hour. However, people’s weight, metabolism, and other contributors can predict how alcohol will affect him or her as individuals. Therefore, the best practice is to arrange alternative transportation when consuming alcohol. Sober driving is the best way to prevent automobile accidents.
Getting Help for Alcohol Addiction
Drinking and driving is just one of the countless consequences that stem from alcohol addiction. If you are struggling with alcoholism, you do not need to continue to drink and drive or participate in activities and behaviors that threaten your wellbeing and that of others. Getting help is an option — and a viable one, at that.
The idea of getting help might be one that you battle with, however, the sooner you get the treatment you need, the sooner you can live a life free of active addiction. Our professionals can help you determine what your immediate needs are, along with what your probable longer-term needs may be. From there, you can enter into a program that is best suited for you.
The level of alcohol addiction treatment we offer include the following:
- Inpatient treatment
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient treatment
If you need treatment for alcoholism, do not wait any longer. As you continue to use, you are actively threatening your life and the lives of those who you encounter. The sooner you get treatment, the sooner you can stop the flood of consequences you are experiencing.
12 Keys treats addiction, substance abuse, chemical dependency and mental health challenges.
Do not hesitate. Call us right now. We can help you.
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