Polk County DUI Attorney Blog

A new study shows that while the vast majority of drivers under the influence of alcohol are men, more young women are driving under the influence and getting into fatal auto accidents than ever before.  The study, which is based on data from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, finds "female drivers involved in fatal crashes actually increased over the years we studied - 1995 to 2007," said Dr. Frederico Vaca, a professor of emergency medicine at Yale University School of Medicine and the study's leading researcher.

According to the study that analyzed data over a 15-year period, researchers found that the proportion of female drivers between 16 and 24 involved in fatal crashes increased 3.1 percent.  The rate for men in the same age range rose 1.2 percent.  The impact of these findings is magnified by another recent study that looked at trends of dangerous yet sober driving.  According to a report from Allstate, 27 percent of teenage girls admit to speeding, while only 19 percent of boys do.

One reason given to explain this trend is that young women's behavior and attitudes are starting to be more like men as they become more competitive with men in society and also face similar stress and pressure.  Dr. Judy Schaechter, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine speaks of a "loss of the notion of what it means to be feminine.  We know that alcohol reduces inhibitions and increases risky behavior, whether that's driving aggressively, driving recklessly, not wearing a seat belt . . . ." 

As Allan Williams, former chief scientist at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety explains, "As more young women participate in activities like competitive sports and take on a more assertive lifestyle, they're narrowing the gender gap when it comes to risk taking in all aspects of their life."  John Musca, who routinely handles DUI cases in Polk County said, "I have definitely noticed an increase in the number of women who have recently sought my services in handling DUI cases."

If you have been charged with a Polk County DUI, you no longer have to worry about finding an aggressive DUI attorney.  Do not allow a DUI arrest to destroy your life.  Act immediately.  Although, DUI, results in a large spectrum if implications in the State of Florida.  Attorneys at Musca Law fight hard and are victorious in defense of clients.  Musca Law is a full service criminal defense firm serving clients throughout the State of Florida.