About one-third of all drivers arrested or convicted of DWI are repeat
offenders. Over half of all drivers arrested for DWI and almost two-thirds of fatally
injured drinking drivers had a BAC over 0.15 — a level that requires a typical 180lb
man to drink seven beers in one hour. About 23 percent of all drinking drivers are
problem drinkers, but they contribute over 40 percent of all drinking-driver trips.
States differ substantially. In some states, only about 10 percent of all drivers involved
in fatal crashes had BAC levels over 0.10. In other states, over 25 percent did.
States that have reduced drunk driving the most over the past 20 years have effective
laws, high-visibility enforcement, and substantial public education built on a foundation
of strong leadership, secure funding, and firm commitment.
Attention to drunk driving has dropped. The public is more concerned with drugs
and crime. Even within traffic safety, the spotlight is on aggressive driving, cell phone
use, and tire defects rather than drunk driving.
Many drunk drivers are not deterred. While most of the public supports DWI laws
and enforcement, a substantial minority of drivers believes it is unlikely that they
would be stopped, arrested, or convicted if they drove after drinking too much.
What is needed? An improved drunk driving control system will ensure that drunk
drivers are consistently arrested, regularly convicted, and appropriately punished.
When everyone understands that driving drunk is likely to bring certain and uncomfortable
consequences, then fewer people will drive drunk.