The Dangers of Drinking and Driving

Alcohol-related crashes continue to claim thousands of lives each year despite efforts to raise awareness, implement educational programs, and enforce stricter penalties. While there has been progress in reducing drunk driving among high schoolers, teens remain vulnerable as both drivers and passengers.

Key Points:

• Motor vehicle collisions are the leading cause of death for individuals aged 15-24, whether they are drivers or passengers.
• Drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 who die in crashes often have alcohol in their systems.

The Risks of Drinking and Driving:

• A 2014 study revealed that an adult driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 is seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal motor vehicle crash compared to a sober driver.
• Young adult drivers (ages 21-34) with a 0.08 BAC are 12 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident.
• The more alcohol you drink, the higher the probability of a fatal crash.

Impairment Begins at Low BAC Levels:

• Even a BAC as low as 0.04 can impair driving-related skills such as tracking moving objects and performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• The legal limit of 0.08 BAC is misleading as impairment begins well before reaching this level.

The Cumulative Impact of Alcohol Consumption:

• Drinking more alcohol leads to a substantial increase in the likelihood of an accident.
• Consuming two additional beers, raising the BAC to 0.08, increases the risk of an accident by 11 times.
• A BAC of 0.10, after consuming six beers, elevates the risk of an accident by 48 times compared to non-drinkers.
• A BAC of 0.15, after consuming eight beers, makes a driver 380 times more likely to have an accident.

Preventing Drunk Driving:

• During weekends and holidays, it is essential to plan ahead for safe transportation if alcohol consumption is expected.
• Appoint a designated driver or operator of a boat to ensure everyone's safety.
• Avoid driving after drinking and consider using a cab or rideshare app as an alternative transportation option.
• If you plan to drink away from home, utilize these services to get to the location without a car, eliminating the temptation to drive under the influence.