Stay Informed

Sign up for news & alerts

Already signed up?
Login here
What Can I Do?


Get Help
Need alcohol or drug help for yourself or someone else? GET HELP
Continuing Education
Free online courses for addiction counselors LEARN ONLINE
Resources
Resources
Find useful publications, online documents & more.


DrugScreening.org


 

Study: Many Young People Drink and Drive
January 3, 2005

Share Share Email
Email
Print
Print
SubscribeSubscribe
Research Summary

About one in five drivers under age 21 reported driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, according to research from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

Examining data from the 2002 and 2003 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA concluded that 21 percent of 16- to 20-year-olds drove under the influence, or 4 million drivers. Fourteen percent reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs, 17 percent reported driving under the influence of alcohol, and eight percent said they drove under the influence of a combination of alcohol and other drugs.

Just four percent of the young drivers surveyed said they had been arrested and booked for driving under the influence.

More young people in the Midwest drove under the influence compared to those in other regions; rural youth were more likely to drink or drug and drive than those in cities.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Your Turn! Post a public comment (read guidelines):

Name:

Comment:
(limit 200
words)

Enter this word
(help):
Change

GUIDELINES: 
To keep this feature useful for all, please:

  1. Keep it clean, courteous, and on-topic. Comments are meant for thoughtful discussion of the article published above.

  2. Do not post promotional links to organizations, products or services, or personal requests for assistance (get help).

  3. Proof your comments carefully, use good spelling and punctuation, and don't use ALL CAPS. Comments are published immediately and cannot be edited.

Deceptive, slanderous and commercially-motivated posts are prohibited. We reserve the right to remove comments not conforming to these guidelines. (Report a comment).

Have questions or feedback? Contact us.