Despite being among the most heavily warned-about behaviors on the road, many drivers in the U.S engage in drunk driving. The police make hundreds of thousands of arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) yearly. And according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 30% of all traffic crash fatalities in the country involve drunk drivers.
Thus, unfortunately, drunk driving is not that uncommon. But why does it happen?
Impaired judgement
Alcohol suppresses the activity of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that controls thinking, decision-making, focus, emotional regulation and impulse control. When someone’s judgment is impaired, they can’t weigh risks.
Consequently, they may not realize they are too drunk to drive or care about safety risks. They may have a false confidence, believing they are fine and will get to their destination safely.
Peer pressure
Studies have shown that people view a behavior as normal when everyone is doing it. So, when someone is with people who drive after drinking, they are more likely to do the same. They do it to fit in or avoid the embarrassment of being seen as someone who can’t hold their liquor.
Repetitive behavior
Getting behind the wheel intoxicated often becomes a repeated habit. When someone drives while drunk and by luck gets home without being involved in an accident, their chances of repeating it can be high. They develop an illusion of control and high confidence.
No alternative transportation
A lack of alternative transportation is one of the reasons people give after a DUI arrest. Not finding a ride, combined with the lack of logical thinking to use options like using a rideshare service or public transportation, can result in a drunk person choosing to drive.
Drunk driving is a dangerous behavior. If you were injured by a drunk driver, you can hold them liable for their negligent action.