The Psychology Behind
Drinking and Driving
According to a recently released report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 16,400 crashes that purportedly involved alcohol occurred in the state of Florida in 2015. That number is slightly down from 16,873 in 2014. A decrease of 2.8 percent is a good start, but clearly not enough to protect our citizens. Why do people drink and drive? We know it’s dangerous. We understand it’s illegal. We know the consequences. Yet, many people — thousands, in fact — still drink and drive each year. Is there a concrete reason why this happens? As it turns out, there might be. An interesting study originally published in the June 2009 issue of Psychological Science might shed some light on what people are actually thinking when they choose to drink and drive. The study found that the mind wanders more often when intoxicated, and it’s harder to focus after having had more than the legal limit. So, while people think they are okay to drive, the reality is that they are not. Their ability to make the proper decision is impaired. In other words, they can’t rationally decide whether or not they are too drunk to drive. This study also sheds light on accidents that happen while drinking and driving. If a driver cannot concentrate on the task at hand (driving) because their mind is wandering too much, they cannot react effectively. WHAT PEOPLE ARE THINKING
They can’t stop in time or avoid running a red light because reaction times are decreased.
JUST ONE HYPOTHESIS
There are many other reasons why someone would choose to drink and drive. This survey found that one in four people chose to drive drunk because they were driving to “hook up” with someone! So, while everyone who drinks and drives might have a different reason, there is a psychological theory behind it all.
AVOID THE ENTIRE SITUATION
Regardless of the reasons why people drink and drive, it’s important that we all act to stop drunken driving. 1. Don’t let your friends drive drunk. 2. Don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been
drinking. 3. Make the decision before you go out not to drink. 4. Make other arrangements, like designating a driver. 5. Take a cab, limo, or other transportation. There are many options available.
In the end, unless everyone is making great decisions and not allowing drunk drivers on the road, good, honest, hardworking people will be injured or killed by drunk drivers. Don’t think that you can’t get help if you have been a victim of drunk driving. In the end, there’s really no excuse. If you or a loved one is injured by a drunk driver, you know whom to call to hold that drunk driver accountable.
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Haveyou heard the goodnews?
“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” – Isaiah 41:13
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