Last week, an article out of Australia titled “Drink Driving Figures Disturbing” stated there had been a 96% increase from the previous year in DUIs ‘detected’ in Manning Great Lakes LAC over the Easter weekend. A week later, a story out of Minnesota estimated that 1 out of every 8 Minnesotans has had a DUI.
The question we pose is whether these numbers—and all the numbers we focus on each year—really show the extent of the drunk driving problem. We know that drunk drivers are estimated to drive drunk at least 80 times before they are caught. Some estimates put that number as high as 300. We also know that 10,228 people died on U.S. roads in 2010 because someone chose to drive drunk.
Is it possible that “Operation Tortoise” in Australia, a well-publicized holiday weekend law enforcement effort, resulted in a 96% increase in arrests from the previous year becuase the program was actually a success? Shouldn’t a substantial law enforcement effort results in more arrests? Perhaps the disturbing part is not the increase, but rather the number of undetected drunk drivers on previous holiday weekends.
In reality, the number of drunk driving arrests in one region may be higher due to an increase in law enforcement efforts on the streets, where as it might be lower in another region because budget or job cuts don’t allow enough resources to manage enforcement. Additionally, judges and prosecutors play a role in how they deal with offenders—and particularly repeat offenders. Even seemingly unrelated issues such as improved automobile safety measures, reductions in speed limits, and other efforts may be impacting traffic deaths, and by extension alcohol-related traffic fatalities. Sometimes the economy results in more driving, sometimes less. Sometimes the price of gas means fewer drivers on the road, sometimes it means more drivers on the road. The variables are endless, and all contribute to the “bottom line.” Whatever that may be.
How can we truly tell if drunk driving has increased or decreased over a period of time? We can only tell the extent of the problem by the number of people who are caught – either through being pulled over or involvement in an accident. But what about the people who aren’t caught? What about the drivers who drive 80 times before ever getting caught? Or 100. Or 300? Without question, there are many, many associations, companies, and lawmakers trying to make a difference.
Do you think we’re making a difference? And how should we define success?
More like 2000 times before being caught.