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Why Do People Drink & Drive?

According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), in 2002, people in the United States drove a total of 159 million times while under the influence of alcohol. Even though MADD further calculated that someone dies as a result of drinking and driving every 45 minutes, drinking and driving is still common.

  1. Impairment

    • People may not be able to properly assess the risks of drinking and driving while in an impaired state.

    Judgment

    • Because alcohol impacts judgment, people who are intoxicated may not see anything wrong with drinking and driving.

    Awareness

    • After light drinking, people may choose to drive because they do not believe that they are intoxicated.

    Transportation Issues

    • People who do not have a ride home or access to public transportation may choose to drink and drive because they do not feel as though they have any other option.

    Social Stigma

    • Some people may be reluctant to admit that they are impaired and thus choose to drive rather than use public transit or ask for a ride.

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