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What age group drinks and drives the most?

On Behalf of | Jun 7, 2024 | DWI Defense

Anyone can be arrested on drunk driving charges. They could be 16 and just a few weeks out from getting a license, or they could be in their 80s with an entire lifetime of driving experience. DWI laws and restrictions apply to everyone. 

However, the statistics do show that there’s a serious difference in drunk driving between the age groups. Overall, reports note a significant risk for young drivers. Those from 21 to 24 years old, for example, make up roughly 29% of alcohol-related accidents. Those from 25 to 34 years old make up the next 28%. You can see that it is most likely for someone in their 20s to be arrested on DWI charges.

Why does this happen?

One reason why this happens is that the legal drinking age is 21 in the United States. It is true that many people break this drinking age. But once they turn 21, they may shift from drinking with friends at home or at a party, and they’ll start driving to the bar. Transportation simply wasn’t as much of a component of their drinking experience before, but it is now, and that leads to DWI charges.

Another thing to note is that young people may have less stable living situations. For instance, someone who is 21 may be living with friends in a college apartment. Older people who have homes and families may also drink, but they’re simply more likely to do it at the house so that they don’t have to drive at all. Young people are social and have more free time, so they may wind up on the road – driving home from the bar, a party or a friend’s house.

Regardless of the specific reasons, those facing DWI charges must understand exactly what legal defense options they have.

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