Why Do Motorists Drink and Drive?
In 2019, motorists were involved in 812 fatal DUI crashes in Texas. Most of these victims were between the ages of 21 and 35. Those over the age of 70 were least likely to be killed in a DUI crash.
Drinking and driving is illegal. We are taught that when first learning to drive as teens. People know it is against the law. They are aware that it is wrong. So why do so many people still get behind the wheel when they are intoxicated?
Drinking and driving is a decision that can lead to fatal consequences. You could hurt or kill yourself or others. If you’re caught, you could face a variety of penalties, from fines to jail time to probation to license loss. It can be an inconvenience, as many people are unable to drive for a certain period of time. Some may have to have an ignition interlock device installed in their vehicle.
Reasons for Driving Intoxicated
Some people drive intoxicated all the time. Some have done it just once and quickly regretted it. Why do people do it?
First of all, many people don’t know what they’re doing when they’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol. They are in an altered state of mind, so their judgment and perception has been impacted. Alcohol affects one’s ability to judge their limitations. It also impacts their decision-making skills. They may even feel relaxed and even confident in their driving abilities.
Some people may not think they are even drunk when they actually are. Alcoholics are not good judges of their sobriety. They may have forgotten how many drinks they have had. Didn’t they just have one or two? No, they had five or six, and their blood alcohol content (BAC) is well above the legal limit. Those who drink and drive all the time may feel safe, since they have never been caught. Well, there is a first time for everything.
Other factors that may lead a person to drink and drive are embarrassment and lack of money. Nobody wants to admit that they are too drunk to drive home. They may not want to call a parent or sibling because they fear they will get in trouble. Calling a friend can be a source of embarrassment. Money is another issue. To get home, a person may need to take public transportation or Uber. These options cost money and if a person just spent all their money on alcohol, then they can’t afford to get a ride home. While a friend or family member could give them a free ride home, again, that would be embarrassing. Therefore, people take a risk and drive home.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Drunk drivers are responsible for injuring and killing many innocent people on the road. If you or a loved one is a victim, seek legal help right away.
The Houston personal injury lawyers at The West Law Office, PLLC can help you get the compensation you deserve. Even if there is no criminal case, we can help you with a civil lawsuit. Schedule a free consultation by calling 281-347-3247 or filling out the online form.
Resources:
ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trf/crash_statistics/2019/34.pdf
ignitioninterlockhelp.com/blog/common-reasons-people-drink-drive/#:~:text=Common%20reasons%20people%20drink%20and%20drive%20may%20include%3A&text=Inability%20to%20judge%20physical%20limitations%20due%20to%20alcohol%20consumption.&text=Embarrassment%20about%20being%20intoxicated%20and%20having%20to%20ask%20for%20a%20ride%20home.&text=Inability%20to%20remember%20how%20many%20drinks%20have%20been%20consumed.&text=Habitual%20drunk%20drivers%20may%20feel%20safe%20from%20ever%20being%20caught.
