Students across the country are back at campus and either well into their first year, or well into continuing their path to higher education. This means books and homework, but for many, it also means exposure to parties and alcohol.Concerned parents should regularly remind their young students throughout the year, to drink responsibly, and to never, ever drive drunk. Binge drinking and excessive consumption of alcohol in the college aged population is a serious concern, not just on campus, but for communities as a whole.
Almost 20% of accidents involving drinking and driving are caused by college aged drivers, a healthy percentage of which are actually under the legal drinking age. In Colorado alone, roughly 42% of all traffic accident fatalities involved at least one driver with a BAC of 0.8% or more. Learn more about the link between college students and DUI accidents below.
College Student DUI Statistics
- Every year in the United States, roughly 1,800 college students ages 18-24 die in accidents resulting from over consumption of alcohol, including car accidents.
- Almost 600,000 students in that same age range are accidentally injured while under the influence of alcohol.
- Over 3,300,000 college students age 18-24 have admitted to driving under the influence in surveys.
- Typically, one third of students admit to drinking and driving within the last month in surveys.
- Roughly half of all car accidents resulting in fatalities among this age range involve alcohol.
What is Considered Driving Under the Influence?
In Colorado, someone is presumed to be driving under the influence if their blood alcohol level is above 0.08. Blood alcohol level can be measured by a roadside breathalyzer, or a person suspected of drunk driving can request a blood test.
Every individual body responds to alcohol differently, so what may be fine for some, can be too much for others. It’s important to remember that driving “buzzed” is the same thing as driving drunk.
Educate Your College Aged Kids so They Can Protect Themselves and Others
If you have a college aged child, it is imperative that you regularly talk to them about the dangers of drinking and driving. College should be fun, but binge drinking can be dangerous and can even damage a young persons developing brain. And students should be reminded that it’s never okay to drink and drive, and that buzzed driving counts as drunk driving.
Regular reminders from their parents will show you care, and may help them think twice before engaging in dangerous behavior. You could be saving their lives, and the lives of other drivers on the road.
Contact Pueblo Car Accident Attorneys at Smith & Smith Today
If you or someone you love is injured in an automobile accident caused by a drunk driver, it is important to contact an experienced car accident attorney immediately after seeking medical help, so that you can learn what your legal options are. Call Pueblo Personal Injury Attorneys at Smith & Smith today for a free consultation at (719) 544-0062.
