Experienced Drivers More Dangerous Drunk
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM) -- Inexperienced drivers are not the only ones who engage in risky drinking and driving behavior.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Melissa Hahn reports, one expert says drivers with more experience could be even deadlier.
LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Melissa Hahn reports.
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Ron Kanwischer, a resident substance abuse counselor at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield, said about 10,000 people die in drunken driving accidents each year – although the number has been dropping.
"The 18- to 25-year-old age range is the most common one. The most experienced drinker, however, is the one more likely to cause death, and they're the ones that have high blood alcohol levels, and have had repeat drinking and driving episodes," Kanwischer said. "The average person who gets arrested for DUI has driven as many as 50 times prior to that before getting arrested."
Kanwischer said New Year's Eve is one of the top 10 drinking nights, with Super Bowl Sunday also high on the list.
