Driving Under the Influence

Driving Under the Influence

Introduction

Driving under the influence (DUI) refers to a driver operating a motor vehicle while his driving skills are impaired because of his use of alcohol or other drugs. Most of the focus on this phenomenon has been on the influence of alcohol on someone driving an automobile. More broadly, however, the cause of impairment does not have to be limited to alcohol; the individual does not have to actually be driving, but could be just behind the wheel or in “control” of the vehicle; and the vehicle does not have to be an automobile (Dula, 2007). A vehicle can refer to just about any type of conveyance, including a bicycle, snowmobile, boat, tractor, airplane, or even a wheelchair. DUI is a crime in most countries, including the United States.

Background

Every week, if not every day, news outlets in most American communities report a fatal automobile accident. In 1980, over 51,000 people became traffic fatality statistics in the United States. Over half of these fatalities involved drivers who had been consuming alcohol. Some of the mechanisms utilized to reduce DUIs include implementation of laws making it illegal to operate a motor vehicle with blood alcohol content above a certain limit (.10, and later, .08); mandatory sentences for DUI (which can result in jail sentences, evaluation by addiction counselors, and administrative losses of driving privileges); as well as pressure on law enforcement agencies to aggressively enforce impaired-driving statutes (Fahey, 2006).

Problem Statement

Teenagers are probably the most reckless drivers as they prefer thrill and adventure. As they attain a driving license in hand at this age, they feel the excitement and invincibility. To celebrate their achievement, they set off on the road at high speed. What if, at that moment, they have also consumed a drink or two? Under age drunk drivers contribute to more than 40% of the road accidents, according to research. The underage drinking and driving is a major problem in the United States. Different strategies are being implemented to educate the youth about the consequences of drunk driving and its impact on the community (King, 2006).

Purpose of the Study

The proposed research study is trying to explore multiple aspects of research subject. The study is basically designed to measure the influence of alcohol during driving. Under this research statement the findings of research statement will be very helpful in terms of formulating a comprehensive strategy in this context. However, the research study is related to the future predictions but the findings will aid the concerned authorities to prepare a better plan to treat with driving under the influence.

Research Questions/Hypothesis

Will educating youth alcohol addicts about the consequences reduce the number of drunken driving accidents?

Research Method and Design

Method for Collecting Data

Survey method would be used for collecting the data of the said concern. The population for this study would include the families and surrounding communities of teenagers. A sample size of 10 families and 10 people from the neighborhood would be selected to fill out questionnaires containing ...