Age may influence drunk driving

 Posted on October 30, 2020 in Uncategorized

Drunk drivers do not just endanger their own lives. They also put everyone else in Texas at risk for serious injury or even death. Unfortunately, many men and women still act as if drinking and driving is safe. This dangerous attitude toward drunk driving makes it difficult to get the problem under control.

Part of the problem could be that drunk driving is not necessarily as visible as distracted driving. While it is easy to spot a driver staring at his or her phone, it might be harder to identify someone who is under the influence of alcohol. So while you might find it easy to believe that distracted driving is the most common cause of car accidents, you may not realize that drunk driving is the second.

Does age matter?

A 2020 study from the Zebra found that age plays a huge factor in determining who is most likely to drink and drive. When asked which generation has the most drunk drivers, nearly 36% of respondents pointed to drivers between the ages of 25 and 39 — millennials — followed by 31% of drivers aged 16 to 24 — Gen Z.

Older drivers may be less likely to drink and drive. That same survey found that only 19% thought that Gen X drivers between the ages of 40-54 were most likely to engage in drunk driving. Around 14% pointed to baby boomers over the age of 55.

How many drinks does it take?

Getting behind the wheel after drinking is never a good idea. Despite this, that same survey found that around 26% of people say they can still drink three or four drinks before having to hand the keys to someone else. Another 6% said they would still drive after as many as six drinks.

Some of the survey participants did say they choose alternatives to drunk driving. For example, calling a friend, using a rideshare or simply walking home are all popular choices among those who choose to act safely. A small percentage also like to use motorized scooter services instead of driving, although it is not clear how safe this alternative actually is.

Drunk driving deaths and injuries

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2003 to 2011 drunk drivers killed more than 13,000 people in Texas. Serious injuries and death can happen even when drivers are below the legal blood alcohol concentration limit. In 2017, drivers with BAC lower than .08% killed around 2,000 people.

While you may feel lucky to have survived your drunk driving accident, you are far from in the clear. You may be dealing with immense pain and suffering, and paying your medical bills without a paycheck is impossible. Do not hesitate to reach out for guidance from an experienced attorney, as working closely with someone who has your best interests at heart can be key to successfully navigating a personal injury claim.