Orla Mahon explores why people drive under the influence, and how we can tackle it.
It's one of those things that everyone can agree on in theory – you shouldn’t drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, in practice, it doesn’t always work that way. Maybe you tell yourself that you’re (relatively) sober, or that the roads will be quiet, or that it’s been fine every other time you’ve done it, and really, you’re a good driver. The truth, of course, is that you should never get behind the wheel if you’re in an altered state of mind, no matter what. The Road Safety Authority (RSA) recently released statistics for deaths that occurred due to vehicles in 2023. Almost half of road fatalities occurred between the hours of 8pm and 8am, despite the roads generally being much quieter during these hours. Sam Waide, the Chief Executive of the RSA, has publicly stated that this is connected to “driver behaviours like drink and drug-driving and fatigue.”
We know that driving under the influence carries serious risk - for yourself, your fellow passengers, and other drivers and pedestrians. But why do people decide to take this risk? Some substances, such as alcohol or cocaine, can give users a feeling of invincibility, a rush of confidence, that convinces them that nothing bad could happen. It could be argued that a lack of public transport options in Ireland at night contributes to this as well – if someone’s trying to get home from the city centre at night, it’s entirely possible that their only other option may be a taxi, which often comes with a hefty price tag.
If you have a concrete plan on how you’re getting home, you’re much less likely to end up in a situation where you’re considering getting a lift with someone who has been drinking, or getting behind the wheel yourself.
So what can we do about it? My number one suggestion is to be prepared – before you go out (and while you’re still sober), make a plan on how you’re going to get home. Perhaps talk amongst your friend group about splitting a taxi fare, or organise a rotating system of designated drivers (people taking it in turns to stay sober on nights out, and driving everyone home after). Once you start drinking, it’s a lot easier to get swept into unadvisable plans, even if the rational part of your brain knows something isn’t right. If you have a concrete plan on how you’re getting home, you’re much less likely to end up in a situation where you’re considering getting a lift with someone who has been drinking, or getting behind the wheel yourself. It’s not always easy, but it’s so, so important to take steps to protect yourself and others.