Drunk driving fatalities have decreased across the board, due at least in part to the prevalence of ride-sharing here in the United States. According to the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER), traffic deaths due to alcohol consumption have dropped by more than 6%.
But despite those encouraging statistics, people still get arrested for driving under the influence. But which age group is more likely to climb behind the wheel after imbibing?
Who is most to blame for the practice of drinking and driving?
The website The Zebra conducted a study regarding drunk driving statistics for all age groups from Gen Z to the Baby Boomers. Below is what they revealed:
- Almost 38% of those surveyed placed the blame on Millennials (Gen Y, aged 25 to 39) for the most incidents of drinking and driving.
- Runner-up was Gen Z, the youngest drivers aged 16 to 24, with 29% named the second-most likely to engage in the practice.
- Generation X, or those from 40 to 54 years old were in third place, at almost 19% likely to drive after drinking.
- Finally, nearly 14% of Boomers aged 55 to 75 were tagged as the least likely to consume alcohol and then drive.
How accurate are those assessments? Respondents were likely to assign blame to other age groups than the ones to which they belonged themselves. But the truth is that anyone who drives after even one or two drinks is at risk of picking up a charge for driving under the influence.
If you find yourself facing DUI charges, your most prudent move is to immediately start building your defense against the charges. At the traffic stop, politely assert your right against self-incrimination. Refuse roadside sobriety tests and ask to speak to your legal counsel before you agree to answer any questions.