Why Young Adults Are More Likely To Drive Drunk

You’ve seen the shocking headlines and heard the tragic stories. But have you ever wondered what drives young adults to get behind the wheel after a few drinks? Learn more about why young adults are more likely to drive drunk, and discover some tips for keeping yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

Peer Pressure: The Allure of Fitting In

For many young adults, the desire to fit in can be a powerful motivator. It’s not uncommon for someone to agree to drink and drive simply because they feel pressured by their friends or worry about being ostracized. As an antidote to peer pressure, encourage open and honest conversations about the inherent dangers of drunk driving. Let your friends know it’s OK to make their own decisions, and designate a sober driver to help yourself and others resist the temptation to drive drunk.

Feeling Invincible: The Illusion of Control

Young adults often feel like they’re invincible. They may see themselves as the exception to the rule and believe that they can handle any situation, even when impaired by alcohol. This false sense of control leads them to make poor decisions and underestimate their level of intoxication. Help counteract this by discussing the real-life consequences of drunk driving, sharing applicable personal stories, and reinforcing that no one, especially not young adults, should feel invincible when it comes to driving under the influence.

Lack of Experience: Navigating the Road and Alcohol

Another reason why young adults are more likely to drive drunk is their relative lack of experience with both driving and alcohol. They may not fully understand how alcohol impairs their senses or how their limited driving skills are compromised further by intoxication. As a solution, provide education on the effects of alcohol, as well as defensive driving courses for teens and young adults. This can help them learn how to manage situations safely and develop responsible habits.

Tips for Staying Safe on the Road

Now that we’ve discussed some of the reasons why young adults are more likely to drive drunk, let’s reiterate some ways to prevent it from happening. Here are a few tips for staying safe on the road:

• Communicate the dangers of drunk driving and the importance of a designated sober driver.
• Encourage young drivers to take defensive driving courses.
• Share real-life stories of the consequences that can result from driving under the influence.
• Provide information about the effects of alcohol on the body and mind.

Being a responsible driver, especially as a young adult, can have a significant impact on your life and the lives of those around you. If you find yourself in need of help with insurance after a DUI, Serenity Group offers SR22 car insurance to assist you in maintaining your driving privileges as you get back on the right track.