Did you know that in the United States every 32 minutes a person is involved in an alcohol-related crash? Did you know that most drunk drivers have driven drunk 80 times before they are actually arrested? Drunk driving is a leading cause of death and injury in the U.S. Anyone can be affected by drunk driving whether you actually drink alcohol or not. It is important for everyone to know how to help prevent people from driving while intoxicated and to know as much as possible about alcohol and its effects.
Drunk Driving Statistics
Almost all college campuses have underage drinking and students drinking to excess. In 2009 a study determined that approximately 1,825 college students between the ages of 18 and 24 die from alcohol-related unintentional injuries including car accidents. Also in the U.S. In 2009 a study found that almost one-third of all traffic-related deaths were due to crashes involving alcohol. Alcohol is a big problem which even affects high school teens as well. Not only is underage drinking illegal but you have new, inexperienced drivers who are on the road and sometimes intoxicated. That is a very bad combination.
Prevention Techniques
There are many programs and groups which are available to educate non-alcoholics and alcoholics about prevention techniques to avoid driving while intoxicated. Some techniques emphasize moderation versus totally abstaining from alcohol. A well-known 12-step abstinence program focuses on accountability for those who have a drinking problem.
DUI and DWI
If your blood alcohol content is greater than the legal limit while you are driving a vehicle you can be considered driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). These two terms are used to determine when the law considers a person to be drunk. It is important to be familiar with the DUI/DWI laws so you know what can happen if you drive drunk.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC)
Did you know that in the U.S. a person with a .08 or higher blood alcohol concentration is legally considered drunk? Driving can even be impaired at lower alcohol concentration levels. The BAC (which stands for Blood Alcohol Concentration or Blood Alcohol Content) is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in a person’s blood. Not all people attain the legal BAC at the same rate. Weight, height, sex, different kinds of alcohol and varying tolerance levels all affect the speed at which a person becomes intoxicated. It is helpful if you drink alcohol to know what it takes to reach the BAC limit for you so you can plan what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe.
After DWI and DUI Convictions
Each state in the U.S. has their own rules regarding DUI and DWI convictions and penalties. Typically the first offense is not too severe if no one was harmed by your vehicle, but more convictions bring harsher penalties which can include time in jail. If you have too many of these conviction you might never be able to obtain a driver’s license again.
Prevention Campaigns
There are many wonderful campaigns which have been created by the federal and state governments as well as non-profit organizations to try to help prevent drunk driving. They have very memorable slogans such as “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.” The purpose of these campaigns is to make everyone aware of the dangers involved with drunk driving and offer ways you can help prevent it from happening. Teenagers are often targeted with these campaigns in order to help them avoid a lifetime of putting themselves and others at risk.
This free resource created by Cheap Car Insurance is meant to educate and raise awareness concerning drinking and driving. Sharing is permissible. Please contact us if you have any questions. Get a car insurance quote in your area.
