Young People and the Prevention of Drunk Driving

According to the CDC, 32 people are killed or die every day in accidents involving driving while under the influence of alcohol. That adds up to one death every 45 minutes in a single day. With deaths from impaired driving reaching such numbers in the span of a day, it is time for young people, college students especially, to become more involved in the prevention of these accidents.

Though my personal experience with on-the-road accidents may be lackluster, my only experience being a minor bump from a truck in a roller rink parking lot when I was nine, I am passionate about preventing the number of fatalities in the United States on the road, specifically the accidents and fatalities having to do with drunk driving.

It is no secret that drunk driving accidents contribute to a majority of the fatalities on the highway, but this present issue does not have to continue into the future. In the world we live in today, it is easier than ever for young people to make sure our loved ones, friends, family, and ourselves, get home safe while under the influence of alcohol and other substances. There are many methods and strategies for young people, college students included, to minimize the likelihood they or a loved one gets behind the wheel while under the influence, and awareness is low. This essay will highlight the new and age old options for people of every age to avoid operating a vehicle while impaired, as these various techniques are outlined and explained, it makes them an easy access point for young people to prevent drunk driving in their own lives and at large.

One-time and direct pickup transportation services like Uber, Lyft, and the classic taxi in cities where they are available, have been a growing service in popularity and availability. With these transportation options on the rise, with a few swipes and clicks a safe ride will appear to pick up anyone from any location. Where in the past it would be a choice between driving drunk or being stranded without options for transportation, now there is the choice to avoid being behind the wheel altogether, and opt for a safe drive for a small fare. These options can make sure a person can see their loved one into a road safe vehicle, maximizing road safety and minimizing the emotional distress of wondering if a friend or family member got home safe.

In addition to purchasing a friend or yourself a one way ride, the classic concept of the designated driver, or “DD,” can be employed on nights where alcohol is on the night’s agenda and sure to be involved. Having a group drive together with one completely substance free driver for the night doesn’t cost any money to procure, and leaves the group in trusted hands for the drive home. This option also voids the risk of driving while impaired, and gives each member of the group a sense of security of having a member of the group willing to make sure a safe ride home is guaranteed.

While going out with a group is always enjoyable, there could be an instance when an individual is going out to partake in a night away from home alone. When a solo driver is relying solely on themselves for transportation, without the use of Uber, Lyft, or taxi type transportation options, it is best to abstain from drinking to ensure road safety.

The “Sobering Statistics of Underage Drunk Driving” states that the number of licensed drivers on the road under the age of 21 account for 10% of all drivers on the road. But the most sobering statistic is that drivers that age are responsible for a whole 17% of the fatal crashes involving alcohol. Though underage intoxicated driving is a part of the whole issue of drunk driving, the methods and strategies stated above can reduce this number in the coming years.

To summarize, whether going out with friends or solo, there are many transportation options to make sure that driving while under the influence of alcohol does not sour a night out. Whether it’s purchasing a ride for you, your group, or a friend, assigning a designated driver for the night, or refraining from alcohol for the night, a more road safe tomorrow is not far behind. It is time for young people to take a stand against and get knowledgeable about driving while under the influence of alcohol. Young people have the power to change the tide when it comes to drunk driving, and establish new social norms for nights involving alcohol consumption, and make sure their loved ones and the population at large are protected from unsafe drivers.