Jul 28, 2009 -- Drunk driving on the decline
The rate of drunk driving in our nation continues to drop, according to figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Today, typically only 2 out of every 100 people on the road is drunk. If you go back to the 1990s, that figure was 4 in 100. Go back to the 1970s and 1 in every 12 people on the road was under the influence!
We have come a long, long way. Of course, 2 out of every 100 people is still too high, but it's progress.
You are most likely to encounter a drunk driver on the road between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. In addition, men are more likely to fail a breathalyzer test or a blood test than women.
And the category of motorists that are drunk on the road most often? Motorcyclists. They're almost three times more likely to be driving under the influence than someone in a passenger car. Clark thinks you're really asking for trouble if you're unprotected on a bike and get involved in an accident.
So think about the consequences before you get behind the wheel while you're intoxicated. It could be your life or somebody else's or you could wind up in jail. And remember, you're not a wimp if you ask someone to give you a ride after you've had one too many.