Drunk Driving Problem, Case Study Example

Despite the strict sanctions placed to curb it, drunk driving continues to be an unwavering predicament in most states. The number of offenders taken to custody by the police is rising by the day; with matters being made worse by the escalating number of underage drinkers. Many solutions have been put forth in an effort to reduce drunk driving and consequently reduce the number of road carnages. The persistence of the problem however calls for improved solutions. This paper forms a discussion on drunk driving and current prevention strategies; and proposes solutions to the unrelenting problem.

The drunk driving problem has been adamant and continues to endanger the lives of various citizens. For most drunk driving offenders arrested, high chances are that the incident is not their first offense.[1] The immediate problem with drunk driving is the high number of alcohol-impaired accidents. Statistics within the United States point out that in 2008, 11,773 out of the 37,261 people who died in driving crashes were victims of alcohol-impaired driving.[2] While drunk driving has generally reduced due to deliberate prevention measures, the problem continues to be troublesome in most states. Researchers have established gender differences in drunk driving; with studies indicating that the number of female offenders has risen. In the United States, a study between 1982 and 2004 indicated that women drunk driving arrests had increased while men’s rates declined before stabilizing.[3] It is notable that a large percentage of drunk driving offenders are underage.[4] Binge drunk driving has escalated and various organizations have raised alarm on the high number of binge drinking related accidents. The drunk driving problem has always raised the question of what is being done to contain the problem and whether steps taken actually produce the desired results.

Currently, various steps have been undertaken in an attempt to reduce drunk driving. The most significant prevention measure is the law. Police officers are vested with the duty of arresting any person who is caught driving while drunk. The fines for such an offense have been heightened in most states so as to reduce prevalence of drunk driving.[5] While this method has been effective in reducing drunk driving, it is notable that a large number of offenders are never arrested; either due to police negligence or clever moves to avoid police inspection and scrutiny. Laws on underage drinking have been useful in preventing underage drinking.[6] In a good number states, the lawful drinking age is 21 years. Bars and clubs are therefore forbidden from selling alcohol to people under the lawful age. Elusive youths however continue to drink illegally, mostly in houses where chances of arrest are almost impossible. Also notable is the involvement of organizations which have embarked on campaigns to reduce drunk driving. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for example is an organization that seeks to reduce drunk driving among the youths through campaigns, seminars and other educative forums meant to create awareness. Other examples include Century Council, Students Against Drunk Driving, Bikers Against Drunk Drivers, Business Against Drunk Drivers, Ashley’s Dream Foundation, DWI Victims Panel and America Cares.[7] Such organizations have played a significant role in reducing drinking problems, mostly due to their combined preventive and curative approaches.

It is inevitably true that a dire solution is needed in order to reduce drunk driving. Stringent sanctions coupled with prevention measures form the best solution for drunk driving. It is notable that the number of drunk driving repeat offenders is high. Such a sentiment denotes the leniency of the law in dealing with drunk driving offenders. DUI courts must issue stricter sanctions including license revocation; mandatory jail sentences; vehicle impoundment; and mandating the use of interlock devices that prevent drunk drivers from starting vehicles. Drunk driving can be prevented if the dangers of drunk driving are taught at an early age. Training programs could be incorporated in schools such that students are taught the importance of sober driving. Furthermore, it is better to reduce the probability of drunk driving through prevention; than to attempt to treat the problem when it is already established.

Bibliography

Gerdes, Louise, I. Drunk Driving. Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2001

Schwartz, Jennifer. “Gender differences in drunk driving prevalence rates and trends: A 20-year assessment using multiple sources of evidence,” Addictive Behaviors 33 (2008): 1217-1222.

The Century Council. (2009). “Drunk Driving Research.” The Century Council. http://www.centurycouncil.org/learn-the-facts/drunk-driving-research (accessed December 11, 2009).

Yahoo Directory. “Drunk Driving Organizations.” Yahoo. http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Crime/Types_of_Crime/Drunk_Driving/Organizations/ (accessed on December 11, 2009).

[1]Gerdes, Louise, I. Drunk Driving. (Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2001), p. 12.

[2] The Century Council. (2009). “Drunk Driving Research.” The Century Council. http://www.centurycouncil.org/learn-the-facts/drunk-driving-research

[3] Schwartz, Jennifer. “Gender differences in drunk driving prevalence rates and trends: A 20-year  assessment using multiple sources of evidence,” Addictive Behaviors 33 (2008): 1217-1222., p. 1217.

[4] The Century Council. (2009). “Drunk Driving Research.” The Century Council. http://www.centurycouncil.org/learn-the-facts/drunk-driving-research

[5] Gerdes, Louise, I. Drunk Driving. (Farmington Hills, MI : Greenhaven Press, 2001), p. 59.

[7] Yahoo Directory. “Drunk Driving Organizations.” Yahoo. http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Crime/Types_of_Crime/Drunk_Driving/Organizations/