A new public opinion poll is showing that there has been a significant increase in self-reported drinking and driving in 2021 compared to past years.
According to a report on Forbes.com, the prevalence of alcohol-impaired, the reasons for engaging in risky behavior, and the characteristics of drivers who do it are reflected in a new public opinion survey.
Researchers with the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) USA, who conducted this survey, said in general all dangerous driving behaviors were reported more often in 2021 compared to 2020.
Researchers said while most drivers took extra care and were not inclined to engage in risky driving behaviors during the coronavirus pandemic, a small but significant proportion of drivers indicated they were more likely to engage in these dangerous driving behaviors.
Spike in Drinking and Driving
This survey helps explain the preliminary data showing increases in speeding, impaired driving, and more severe or fatal crashes during the pandemic. The online poll, completed in September 2021, included the feedback of nearly 1,500 drivers in the U.S. who were 21 or older.
The survey showed there was a significant increase in self-reported alcohol-impaired driving resulting in the highest percentage of respondents admitting to this behavior compared to previous years. The percentage of respondents who reported driving when they thought they were over the legal limit (0.08%) in the last 12 months significantly went up from 16.6% in 2020 to 22.5% in 2021.
More than 8% of drivers surveyed also reported they were more likely to drive distracted after drinking or to drive without wearing a seatbelt. In addition, 11.7% said they were more likely to speed excessively during the pandemic. Males 21 to 29 years old represent the highest percentage of drunk drivers.
If You Have Been Injured
There is no question that negligence or carelessness, as well as wrongful acts such as making a decision to drink and drive, cause a huge number of car accidents. Numbers show that dangerous driving has resulted in an increasing number of roadway fatalities during the pandemic years despite related lockdowns.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a reckless or negligent driver, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries, damages, and losses. An experienced Los Angeles car accident law firm will be able to advise injured victims and their families regarding their legal rights and options
.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tanyamohn/2021/12/31/new-survey-takes-nations-pulse-about-drinking-and-driving-during-the-pandemic-and-its-not-good/?sh=474142da30f6
