We all know that drunk driving is bad. Driving under the influence, also known as a DUI, is punishable by up to one year in prison and a high fine – even if you have no prior convictions. On top of this, driving under the influence is extremely dangerous, both for you and others on the road. In America alone, over 10,000 people per year are killed in drink driving accidents. Getting behind the wheel of a car while drunk is one of the most irresponsible decisions a person can make – so why do people still do it, even when they know the risks?
The Drunk Mind
Under the influence of alcohol, one thing that happens is that your inhibitions and reactions slow down. That is why driving under the influence is so risky; you cannot react quickly enough to oncoming traffic or bends in the road, among other things. One killer factor of the drunk mind is also increased confidence, hence why people become injured sometimes while under the influence; you think you can jump high, run fast, and generally feel more invincible. This brash confidence combined with slow reactions means that even if you are generally a sensible, law-abiding citizen, you could still be tempted to drive under the influence.
The Classic Excuses
Of course, there are classic excuses used by those under the influence in order to justify driving. Some of these include:
- “I’ll just take the back roads!” If you live in a rural area, you’ll have heard this one before. Drunk individuals will insist they’ll just take the quiet “back roads” with very few cars, in order to justify driving drunk. They think they’ll avoid meeting any other cars or getting caught by police.
- “I’m not even drunk!” Often, those under the influence will insist they have drunk less than they have, or don’t feel inebriated even if they are.
- “It’s only five minutes down the road!” This is a common excuse, but not a good one. If it’s only a five minute drive, just walk!
Solutions to Drunk Driving
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- Hiring a DUI attorney. If you have made the mistake of driving under the influence and have been caught, you will need to hire a dui lawyer in order to be fairly represented in court.
- Take a breathalyzer to parties. This sounds extreme, but breathalyzers aren’t expensive and they can save lives. If you take your car to a party and have one or two drinks, and you feel totally fine to drive, that doesn’t mean you aren’t over the limit! If you aren’t sure if you can legally drive, a quick breathalyzer test will tell you the truth, and help you decide whether to get behind the wheel.
Plan ahead. If you plan to let loose and get drunk with your friends, plan ahead and don’t even take your car – take a cab instead. That way, no matter how poor your decision making becomes, you aren’t in danger.
