Women are being arrested at a higher rate for drunk driving should not come as a BIG surprise. More women are working; more women have a disposable income, and more women own cars. It is a disturbing trend. There is little doubt that women have more opportunities to transport children and that in point is where the real concern should focus: Every child deserves a safe & sober ride home.
The Omaha World Herald called and spoke with me yesterday regarding this issue. My response: Drunk Driving does not discriminate. http://www.omaha.com/article/20090819/NEWS01/708209932
In Nebraska, in 2008 we had more than 8,800 men arrested for DWI and more than 2,200 women arrested for DWI (NOHS). It appears, from the math, that there still is a disproportionate amount of males driving while intoxicated. Just think if there were only 2,200 males arrested for drunk driving we could close the ranks on impaired driving dramatically.
Over The Limit Under Arrest
There is only blame to be placed on the one who makes the choice to drive a 2,000 pound bullet after consuming alcohol. Drinking and driving is a public health epidemic. Here in our state one person dies every five days due to an alcohol-related crash. Every 5 days!
This Labor Day Weekend make sure you have plans to get home by designating a sober driver, make sure your children are not riding with a drinking driver and know enforcement is out. http://www.maddnebraska.org/
Simera Reynolds, M.Ed.
State Executive Director
