Drunk Walking Leads To Pedestrian Accident Deaths

You have heard the term drunk driving on this blog and elsewhere many times, but you may not have heard the term drunk walking too often, but you should be familiar with it.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) almost 1/3 of all pedestrian accidents in 2017 involved someone who was drunk while walking.  

Connecticut pedestrian accidents generally occur at night when it is dark outside.  This trend is true nationally as well with 3/4 of all pedestrian deaths occurring after dark.  Combining a pedestrian who is drunk or under the influence of drugs with being out after dark could have serious consequences.

The solution to this problem is actually a little more difficult than when dealing with drunk driving.  When you are drunk, getting behind the wheel of a car is dangerous but can easily be avoided by designating a driver.  The solution when you are drunk and walking is not as apparent as you cannot designate someone to walk for you.  So, what should you do?

1. If you are planning on drinking or using drugs when you are out, make your plans to stay the night at that location.  Even if your home is within walking distance you should not risk being out late at night while intoxicated.
2. Walk with a sober partner.  If you absolutely must walk to your destination, find someone who can walk with you that is sober and keep you from making bad choices while going from point A to point B.
3. Depending on the distance you need to walk, it might make the most sense to use a rideshare app to get you to your destination.  Even if your original plan was to walk, it might make more sense to get a ride so you avoid the dangerous activity of drunk walking.
4. Use restraint when drinking or using drugs.  If you don’t let yourself get intoxicated to the point where you cannot walk straight you may be able to walk home safely. 

When you’re headed out for the night you may not think of drunk walking as an impediment to your good time, but this behavior leads to Connecticut pedestrian accident deaths each year and will continue to if safety measures are not taken.   Add to that the danger of walking at night and you have a recipe for disaster on your hands.  

Here at McEnery, Price, Messey & Sullivan we hope that you will drink responsibly and get home safely.  Whether you’re walking, driving, or ridesharing it is important to keep your safety top of mind.