Which Age Group is Most Likely to Drink and Drive?

A Look at Attitudes and Perceptions About Drunk Driving in the U.S.

 

In 2019 and 2020, The Zebra conducted similar surveys to study “American attitudes and behaviors toward drunk driving.” Their findings over the past two years have been substantially the same, with one key difference. In the 2020 survey, respondents now believe that people between 25-39 are the most likely to drink and drive. 

Additional findings from the 2020 survey suggest that:

  • People under the age of 39 are the most likely to engage in drunk driving.
  • Baby boomers (people aged 55-75) were the least likely to drink and drive.
  • Less than 20 percent of respondents believe individuals between the ages of 40 – 54 years old (Generation X) are the “most likely to drink and drive.”
  • Most people believe that a temporary loss of license is a fair punishment for people who have been caught driving under the influence.
  • Over 6 percent of respondents believe they are still fit to drive after five drinks.

In 2019 a similar survey conducted by The Zebra showed:

  • A large number of people between the ages of 35-44 knew someone who had been killed in a drunk driving accident.
  • Just over a quarter of respondents felt unfit to drive after 1-2 alcoholic drinks.
  • A little less than a quarter of respondents felt that they were unfit to drive after 3-4 alcoholic drinks.
  • Just shy of 10 percent of those surveyed said that they were unfit to drive after 5-6+ drinks.

Read all of the Drunk Driving Statistics provided by The Zebra.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious offense that can result in the loss of your driving privileges, mandatory attendance at an alcohol education program, a hefty fine, and jail time. If you believe that you have an unhealthy reliance on alcohol or have been arrested for one or more drunk driving offenses, it is important to seek treatment immediately. There are numerous options available for treatment. Save a life and get the help you need now.