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People are quick to point out vehicle crashes where evidence of alcohol is found in the body of the driver, but are there any studies that show how much driving

People are quick to point out vehicle crashes where evidence of alcohol is found in the body of the driver, but are there any studies that show how much driving time is avoided due to alcohol consumption? I know drinking and driving is bad (and so do many others), so for many of us I would wager it keeps us away from driving and many other dangerous activities. Sober me with too much free times starts thinking "lets go walking into back alleys in Mexico or riding motorcycles through the twisties." That's not to say one is healthier that way, though.

scrumbledober 4y ago
It may keep you away from driving but does it keep you away from travelling by car? Riding in an uber because you drank is just as dangerous as driving yourself sober.
mindslight 4y ago
It's actually riding in a car time as opposed to driving time, so not as much as you're thinking. Taking it as given that you're going to a bar for the social venue, abstaining and then driving yourself home would have a similar risk profile to taking a cab or carpooling with a designated driver. To have the effect you're pondering, the actual transportation mode needs to change. Like being in a city and perhaps driving to meet up would be the most convenient, but you take public transportation (even though it takes twice as long) so that you can drink.
bdcravens 4y ago
The article isn't limited to drinking and driving. Only 12-24% of the deaths (depending on the age group) are due to vehicle crashes.
- watwut 4y ago
  That is actually quite a lot. Also, commenter was making point about people not driving.
  - bdcravens 4y ago
    The commenter was saying drinking is an alternative to dangerous activities, but according to the article, that same drinking can end up killing them anyways (possibly in a delayed manner vs the dangerous activity), no driving required.

scrumbledober 4y ago

It may keep you away from driving but does it keep you away from travelling by car? Riding in an uber because you drank is just as dangerous as driving yourself sober.

mindslight 4y ago

It's actually riding in a car time as opposed to driving time, so not as much as you're thinking. Taking it as given that you're going to a bar for the social venue, abstaining and then driving yourself home would have a similar risk profile to taking a cab or carpooling with a designated driver. To have the effect you're pondering, the actual transportation mode needs to change. Like being in a city and perhaps driving to meet up would be the most convenient, but you take public transportation (even though it takes twice as long) so that you can drink.

bdcravens 4y ago

The article isn't limited to drinking and driving. Only 12-24% of the deaths (depending on the age group) are due to vehicle crashes.

watwut 4y ago
That is actually quite a lot. Also, commenter was making point about people not driving.
- bdcravens 4y ago
  The commenter was saying drinking is an alternative to dangerous activities, but according to the article, that same drinking can end up killing them anyways (possibly in a delayed manner vs the dangerous activity), no driving required.