What Causes Drunk Driving

In the United States, motor vehicle crashes due to drunk driving is one of the main causes of death among individuals ages 15 to 25 years. Sadly, this thing still happens, despite the strict traffic rules, warnings, and regulations imposed to prevent it from happening.

If we look into the medical side, you’ll be arrested for DUI when your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08% or higher. Generally, the higher your BAC, the more fatal the car crash.

Without a doubt, you need to control your drinks when you’re attending any occasion where drinks are inevitably available. In line with this, let’s find out the reasons why people drink and drive.

Possible Reasons for Drunk Driving

Occasionally, your choice of whether to drink or not starts from the time you’re still thinking of going to the event or not. However, there are other factors in play, which influence your decision to drink and drive.

Here are the eight reasons why people drink and still drive:

1. Social Environmental Influences (33%)

Most people who were arrested for DUI or are driving under the influence of alcohol said they were moved to drink more because of their friends, relatives, and workmates.

On any occasion where you have those people that are close to your heart and life, you will be easily moved to drink more if they asked you to do so. During birthdays, anniversaries, or company parties, it’s your colleagues and friends who usually persuade you to take more shots, without thinking that you’re driving home.

2. Personal (21%)

Your personal interests and wants to relax, unwind, or get wasted is the second strongest reason why you get drunk at any events.

For instance, you have the free will to decide whether to attend your friend’s party or not, yet you still decided to go because you have the personal intention to relax and jam with them. Eventually, you will be driving home under the influence of alcohol.

3. Occasion (15%)

In a year, how many occasions do you attend and how many of them don’t involve drinking?

Practically, you have plenty of occasions to go to like birthdays, stag parties, or a celebration for your promotion at work.

Unfortunately, all these events usually have some drinks on the table and it’s up to you to control your consumption. Having said that, we understand that you often have that mentality, “we’re just doing it today, so why not enjoy”, right?

If you accept that idea, then you’re at risk of binge drinking or heavy drinking, which eventually leads to drunk driving, especially when you’ll be driving yourself home.

4. Normal Behavior (9%)

Well, if it’s part of your personality to drink like three to five glasses of distilled spirit or fermented drink, then you’re at risk of drunk driving. Basically, there are various categories of drinkers, like you can be a binge drinker, heavy drinker, occasional, or a weekend drinker.

Regardless of what category you’re under, there’s no doubt that you’re prone to drinking a lot when there’s an unlimited supply of drinks. This is a sad thing, which needs to be addressed promptly, or else it can develop into an alcohol use disorder.

5. Previous Plans (8%)

For instance, you had a previous plan to drink last Sunday but you weren’t able to do so, because you have to finish some paperwork or running an errand for your home.

Suddenly, your best friend is in town and he invited you to grab a couple of drinks in a pub nearby. Without a doubt, you would accept this invitation since you had a previous plan of drinking, and this opportunity provided an avenue for you to do it.

6. Responsibility (6%)

There are also instances when you are forced to drive the car even when you’re drunk, simply because no one else has a driver’s license except you. Therefore, if you’re planning to go to a party with your friends, and the designated driver is you, then you’d have to hire or ask someone else to take your place in advance.

By doing that, you’re freeing yourself from doing drunk driving and avoiding any car accidents that can harm everyone.

7. Emotional (4%)

For instance, you got terminated from your 5-year job and you got so depressed and mad about it. You decided to drive to your nearest pub to grab a couple of drinks to ease your frustrations.

You could get drunk since your emotion is firing your actions to consume more alcohol, thinking it can ease away your frustration and sadness. If you’re all alone drinking, then you have no choice but to drive yourself home.

8. Economics (3%)

Most drinkers usually have an above-average salary since they can afford to buy drinks and still have sufficient cash for their mortgages and basic needs. This is the least factor contributing to drunk driving because most professionals with high income are well aware of the detrimental effects of alcohol.

When Do You Get Drunk?

Basically, every individual has their respective limits for drinking since we all have different ages, weight, sex, alcohol tolerance, and overall health condition. Having said that, you need to determine your drinking limitations to avoid getting drunk.

Anyhow, to be safe, you can always stick to the standard drinking volume suggested by medical experts and nutritionists. A standard drink is equivalent to 12 fluid ounces of 5% beer or 5 fluid ounces of 12% wine. This is also equivalent when you drink 8 to 9 fl. oz. 7% malt liquor or 1.5 fl. oz. of distilled spirit.

Furthermore, you can quickly realize that you’re drunk when you feel tipsy, and you can no longer walk straight in an upright position.

Having Problems with Your Alcohol Consumption?

Oftentimes, people who are usually caught drunk driving have uncontrolled alcohol consumption. If you are experiencing this dilemma, then it’s best if you seek medical help from an addiction specialist or counselor regarding your alcohol use disorder.

Also, you can already search for a nearby trusted rehab facility where you can inquire about their alcohol treatment program. These medical professionals have the complete equipment, training, and experience to help you recover from this unhealthy behavior.

Remember that you’re never alone in this fight, and you can always lean on these professionals for help.