Drunk Walking Can Be Deadly
Did you know that according to MSNBC, you’re more likely to die from walking drunk than you are from driving drunk? That headline may sound absurd when you consider that thousands of people are killed each year as a result of drunk driving, compared to only hundreds who are killed from drunk walking. However, a recent study of pedestrian deaths revealed this shocking statistic: On a per-mile basis, pedestrians walking drunk were eight times more likely to be killed than someone driving drunk. In other words: When you compare the distance people travel on foot, to the distance people travel in a car, drunk walking is deadlier.
Researchers say the reason it’s so dangerous shouldn’t come as a big surprise. Drinking alcohol impairs both your coordination and your judgment! So, you may not think twice about dashing out into the street in front of cars after you’ve had a few drinks. In fact, in most cases where a pedestrian was killed while walking drunk, the pedestrian was found to be at fault – not the driver who hit them. Also, it’s not just cars you have to worry about. Emergency room workers say drunk walkers have a tendency to turn everyday objects into deadly weapons. So a lot of fatal injuries are caused simply because a pedestrian tripped over a crack in the sidewalk, and then hit their head on a curb, or light pole.
As you might expect, certain days tend to be more dangerous than others for people who walk drunk. Statistic show that New Year’s Day is the deadliest day of all, with Halloween coming in a close second. That’s because many adults use holidays as an excuse to throw a party. Then they walk home drunk afterward – usually in the dark.
You should know this: On any given day, there are at least 11 pedestrians killed as a result of walking drunk! That means that even if you’re trying to do the right thing, by not driving, you may still want to consider taking a cab home. Or better yet: Don’t drink so much.
