Drinking While Driving: A Danger to Every Driver and Passenger

The definition of drunk driving in the USA is having a blood alcohol rate of a minimum of .08%.    In 2010 there were over 110 reported incidents of drinking while driving.

Compared to recent years the incidents of driving while drinking has decreased by 30%.  Even so, there are still too many drunk drivers operating vehicles and they account for around 33% of all deadly crashes.  For 2009 they accounted for more than 10,000 deaths on the streets and highways.

Problems that Drunk Driving Causes

When someone is drinking while driving everyone else driving on the streets and highways are in peril.

Below are the demographic statistics of who is more than likely to be drinking while driving for the year of 2010:

    Men comprise of 80% of all drunk drivers
    Younger men (21 to 34) are 3 times more likely to drive drunk.  They are only 10% of the population but account for over 30% of all drunk driving incidents.
    More than 80% were the result of binge drinking.  The definition of binge drinking of men is at least 5 drinks, and for women are at least 4 drinks.

Defenses Against Drunk Driving

Always remember to use your seat belt.  You never know when you will encounter a drunk driver.

It is reported that seat belts decrease the probability of death and serious injury by half.

Some states are more strict on laws for seat belts than others.  A few states will pull over a driver just because they are not buckled up and in other states it is illegal not to wear a seat belt.

Ways to Prevent Drunk Driving

    Do not engage in drinking games where you and your friends start binge drinking.
    If you have a serious drinking problem which is negatively affecting your social life, work or health then tell your physician.  They will most likely recommend counseling to help you be less dependent on alcohol.
    Make sure before you drink not to drive home and look out for your friends who are also drinking.
    Beforehand you should designate a non drinking friend as the driver to take you and your friends home.
    If you don't have a friend who can drive you home take a taxi home.
    You cannot control who else is driving on the streets.  This is why it's imperative that you always use a safety belt and make sure your passengers also wear them.  Even if the car ride is less than a mile remember to wear your seat belt because you never know when you will encounter a drunk driver.

Ways for Doctors to Prevent Drunk Driving
    Test patients for unhealthy drinking habits such as binge drinking.  If the patient is found to have a drinking problem consult with them on the dangers to both their health, and the health of others caused by their excessive drinking.
    Inform patents that car accidents are the top reason for death for young people from age 5 to the mid 30s.  And of those deaths, 33% are caused by drunk driving.

Ways for Employers to Prevent Drunk Driving

    Promote healthy living and drinking habits with a work health program which instills to each employee how dangerous it is to drink while driving.  An idea is to ask family members who were directly affected to talk and discuss their loss.
    Have a zero tolerance policy for employees who operate a work or personal motor vehicle intoxicated while driving as part of their job.

If you are concerned about your drinking or have received a DUI, you should consider your treatment options.  The severity of your drinking problem will determine the type of treatment you should receive.  Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol treatment and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and drug treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for substance abuse can be highly successful.