Articles About Driving Under the Influence: Top 5 Examples and 7 Prompts

Drinking under the influence is a controversial topic. See our top picks for articles about driving under the influence, plus prompts.

Elton Couch was driving his pickup truck on the night of June 15, 2013, under the influence, inevitably courting an accident that killed four innocent people and left many injured. He was dubbed the Affluenza Teen, who used his wealth as a defense in his criminal proceedings. 

Because of the controversies surrounding the topic, there’s no shortage of articles about driving under the influence. These cases always leave a bitter taste in my mouth, mainly if they result in death or lifetime disabilities. It’s because it’s a preventable tragedy that starts with making the right decision – to not drive when under the influence. Only selfishness pushes people to still drive under the influence despite knowing that they’re endangering their lives and the lives of others.

5 Example Articles

1. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol: Frequency, Reasons, Perceived Risk and Punishment by Francisco Alonso

“Knowing how alcohol consumption impairs safe driving and skills, being aware of the associated risks, knowing the traffic regulations concerning DUI, and penalizing it strongly are not enough.”

The authors of this article explain that DUI of alcohol is a leading cause of death in Europe. Researchers share that a lack of information on the regulations and effects of drugs, as well as misconceptions about neutralizing the effects of alcohol, are the reasons adults and young people drive under the influence. 

They also show the real impact of alcohol on the body, specifically how it affects a person’s ability to drive. Spain’s prevention programs contributed significantly to spreading awareness of DUI regulations, penalties, and risks, but the researchers suggest further improvements.

2. Over 40% Of People Using Alcohol or Cannabis Recently Drove Under the Influence, Study Finds by Kristen Rogers

“Use of both substances together has led to more severe and fatal driving-related outcomes….”

Rogers reports on the latest study on the use of both alcohol and cannabis before driving. She shares that these two substances significantly impact a person’s driving, impairing mental function and physical movement. According to a survey, 28% of respondents admitted to using alcohol and cannabis simultaneously before driving, which experts say is a public health concern. The reporter suggests that people should be aware of the effects of this substance when they are on the road.

3. Paul Pelosi Gets 5 Days in Jail, 3 Years of Probation in DUI by Olga R. Rodriguez

“The husband of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor driving under the influence charges related to a May crash in California’s wine country and was sentenced to five days in jail and three years of probation.”

This article focuses on Pelosi’s capture for drunk driving, his victim’s injuries, and the court’s decision on his case. Rodriguez reports that Pelosi was punished with five days of jail time and three-year probation. He also has mandatory attendance at a drunk driving class, an installed ignition interlock device in his vehicle, and a $10,000 total monetary restitution for the victim and bail money.

4. Drunk Driver Flies Car off Road, Lands on Another Vehicle by NDTV.Com

“Drunk driving is a global threat that authorities are attempting to combat with mixed results. Driving under the influence of alcohol is dangerous not only for the driver but also for others on the road.”

This article is about a video of a car thrown into the air by its drunk driver, causing an accident involving seven other vehicles and injuring four people in Brazil. In the video, the DUI offender who passed out after the incident is seen losing control of his car after driving at full speed. The author says drinking and driving are the primary causes of fatal road accidents. 

5. More Drivers Killed Under the Influence of Drugs Than Alcohol by Alexa Lardieri

“The report was intended to draw attention to the need to incorporate a drug message into programs that encourage motorists not to drive while impaired. It noted that marijuana was the most commonly found drug.”

Lardieri’s article includes a new study on the impact and number of drivers killed by driving under the influence of drugs. She presents that 44% of drivers who passed away from car accidents tested positive for drugs, while DUI accidents with alcohol as the leading cause were only at 37.9%. According to Hedlund, the study’s author, because people know drunk driving is wrong, they should also be aware of the dangers of drug-impaired driving.

She notes that there are strategies available to prevent people from committing DUI. But when it comes to drugs, it is often difficult to trace because it has different effects on people. Lardieri recommends ways to reduce the number of DUI in drug cases based on the study. This includes improved law enforcement training, increased public awareness, and modern disability assessment tools.

Check out our guide to grammar and punctuation to polish your writing.

7 Prompts To Write Articles About Driving Under the Influence

1. Road Accidents: Driving Under the Influence

DUI is one of the leading causes of road accidents and deaths, along with speeding, distracted driving, and more. Use this prompt to identify other risk factors of road accidents and then focus on DUI. Explain what it means, who is at higher risk, and the steps national and local governments should take to address and prevent its deadly consequences.

2. How to Spot People Driving Under the Influence

Zig-zagging or drifting vehicles are only some of the obvious actions of someone driving under the influence. For this prompt, point out common causes of drunk driving and signs of a drunk driver. After the discussion, suggest ways to prevent someone from driving drunk.

For example, the holidays are coming, so parties are happening left and right. If you’re a host or have a drunk friend, suggest alternative ways for them to get home, such as driving them home or having a sleepover. Include helpful tips like this in your article.

3. Who Is Most Likely To Be Driving Under the Influence?

Studies show that young people from 21 to 34 years of age are the most likely to get a DUI. In this prompt, find more updated DUI statistics to name people at high risk of driving under the influence and explain the factors affecting these statistics. Include the number of DUI offenders by age, gender, social class, and status. You can also display statistics by state or country to see which has more DUI incidents and figure out why through contributing circumstances.

4. Driving Under the Influence: Drugs, Alcohol, and Driving Skills

Alcohol and drugs cause drivers to lose coordination and concentration, leading to road accidents. Use this prompt to examine how these substances impair a person’s driving skills, then expound on the levels of blood alcohol concentration that are often the basis of local enforcement to determine whether or not a driver can still legally drive.

5. The Deadliest Driving Under the Influence Accident

Drunk driving is a leading cause of US road deaths but has been steadily declining since 1982. Research the world’s deadliest DUI accident for your article to pique your readers’ interest. Gather the details about the case, the number of fatalities, and the penalties given to the offender. You can also mention government efforts to continue reducing the number of DUI cases worldwide.

6. Driving Under the Influence: Punishments

Each country has its road regulations and methods of punishing each offender. In this prompt, select the countries with the strictest and weakest DUI regulations and penalties. Compare them with each other and explain why these countries have different punishment styles. Add their methods for catching criminals.

7. Driving Under the Influence vs. Reckless Driving

People who don’t know the definition of DUI can mistake it for reckless driving. Use this prompt to review and differentiate DUI from reckless driving and its penalties. Deliberate how a DUI can be reduced to a reckless driving charge, where it is allowed, and the process. Then, look for real-life examples that show an offender being offered a reduced DUI offense to reckless driving.

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