The Myth of the Social Drinker DUI

Let’s face it — social drinking is a huge part of our culture — not just in America, but throughout the entire world. When we want to celebrate a momentous occasion or simply relax after a long week of work, most of us instinctively crack open a beer or pour a glass of wine. The fact that drinking is so intrinsically linked with our society poses problems for DUI legislation. On the one hand, drinking under the influence is clearly a crime. But on the other hand, there is a pervasive attitude that these aren’t really criminals, but rather law-abiding citizens who have simply made an error of judgement. But is this a fair assessment?

If you have been injured in a drunk driving crash, you already know that “social drinkers” can be just as dangerous as binge drinkers and alcoholics. It only takes a second to cause an accident — and these accidents can lead to terrible injuries or fatalities. If you find yourself in this situation, you might be asking yourself: “Where can I find attorneys near me?” And if you’re not asking yourself this question, then perhaps you should be. Only Tulsa accident lawyers can help you file a personal injury lawsuit against the negligent party that caused your accident, and this can help you recover a financial settlement that covers your medical expenses, missed wages, and much more.

Social Drinkers vs. Binge Drinkers

Society likes to make a distinction between social drinkers and binge drinkers (1). So what’s the difference? Generally speaking, a social drinker engages in alcohol consumption because it is expected of them — because they want to be social and engage with other people who are also drinking. They don’t have a specific need to drink, they simply participate in our American culture by having a few drinks with friends.

A binge drinker, on the other hand, drinks to get drunk (2). Although they might drink with other people, their main goal is to consume as much alcohol as possible and get as drunk as possible. In many cases, this means that their ability to interact socially with others goes out the window.

There is also perhaps a third category worth mentioning: Alcoholics. These individuals may not drink socially at all — preferring to drink alone throughout the entire day.

Why it Doesn’t Even Matter

At the end of the day, the distinctions between social drinkers, binge drinkers, and alcoholics really doesn’t matter in the context of a DUI. People like to think that social drinkers are different because they are in control of their actions. But even a small amount of alcohol can impair someone’s judgement, slow their reflexes, and impair their coordination.

So in reality, the concept of a “social drinker DUI” is simply a myth. They are just as capable of hurting others as even the most flagrant alcoholics and binge drinkers. There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel while drunk — even if you’ve only had a few.

Where Can I Find a Qualified Attorney?

If you’ve been searching for a qualified, experienced Tulsa DUI or DWI accident lawyers, you should know that these legal professionals are all around you. If you’ve been injured by a drunk driver, you are fully within your rights to book a consultation with a lawyer and discuss your legal options. Reach out today and take your first steps towards justice.

Sources

1. http://www.williamwhitepapers.com/pr/2007HardCoreDrinkingDriverProfile.pdf
2. https://fairwindstreatment.com/blog/2015/07/16/what-is-the-difference-between-social-drinkers-binge-drinkers-and-alcoholics/#:~:text=Unlike%20social%20drinkers%20who%20are,and%20blindly%20controlled%20by%20alcohol.

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