College towns are often synonymous with late night parties, wild celebrations, and unfortunately, underage drinking. Florida State University (FSU) is no exception. Over the past two and a half years, the campus has witnessed multiple DUI related accidents. Some even resulting in tragic fatalities. But the issue of drunk driving in college towns is not unique to FSU. According to LaBrie, Napper, and Ghaidarov (2012), anywhere from 16% to 30% of college students admit to driving after drinking. That means millions of young adults are getting behind the wheel intoxicated every year, creating a serious public safety issue that demands attention.
So why are college students so prone to driving under the influence? Studies point to two major factors: peer pressure and underestimating risk. Let us take a deeper dive into these influences and explore how we can address this crisis.
The Influence of Peer Pressure
We all know that peer pressure is a powerful force, especially in college. Greek life, in particular, is notorious for fostering environments where excessive drinking is normalized. Hazing rituals often involve consuming dangerous amounts of alcohol. This leads students to make reckless decisions including driving under the influence.
FSU has been ranked nationally as a party school. And with easy access to alcohol near campus and relaxed ID checks at clubs, students are constantly exposed to environments where drinking is encouraged. A recent survey conducted by Florida State University (2024) revealed that about 20% of students admitted to driving while under the influence. This normalization of impaired behavior means that students may feel pressured to drink at social events to fit in, even if they do not want to. The fear of being ostracized can push students into making dangerous choices like getting behind the wheel after a night out.
The consequences are already visible. In the past month alone, Florida State University Crime Logs (2024) reported that four students were pulled over and charged with DUIs on FSU’s campus. And these are just the ones who got caught. The real number of impaired drivers on campus roads is likely much higher.
Underestimating the Risks
Many college students fail to recognize how much alcohol impairs their ability to function, especially when it comes to decision making. Studies have shown that even three alcoholic drinks can significantly weaken focus, reflexes, and alertness, all critical for safe driving (Uren, 2016).
The issue goes deeper than just poor decision making. Alcohol directly impacts the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for rational thinking (Squeglia, Jacobus, & Tapert, 2015). This means that students may genuinely believe they are okay to drive when they are actually highly impaired. This misjudgment leads to risky behaviors, including aggressive interactions with law enforcement. In fact, research suggests that many young adults arrested for DUIs also face additional charges. This includes resisting arrest due to their impaired emotional regulation (Hoaken & Phil, 2000).
The Consequences of DUI Accidents
DUI related crashes are far more severe than typical accidents. Since at least one driver is impaired, these incidents often involve higher speeds, reckless driving, and devastating outcomes. The legal consequences are equally harsh. A DUI manslaughter conviction can lead to 15 to 30 years in prison (Brooks, 2024). And every year, about one million people are arrested for DUIs. Tragically, over 13,000 people die annually in alcohol related crashes. College students are involved in at least 20% of those fatalities (NHTSA, 2024).
These statistics highlight the urgent need for awareness and intervention, especially on college campuses.
How Universities Can Help
Colleges need to step up and implement stronger measures to prevent students from driving under the influence. Here are some ways universities can take action:
1. Free Campus Rides
Programs like FSU’s “SAFE Connection” provide students with free golf cart rides across campus from 8 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on weekdays. Expanding services like this can help prevent drunk driving incidents.
2. Stricter Alcohol Policies
Universities should enforce stricter regulations on alcohol sales at campus sponsored events and require fraternities and sororities to adhere to safer drinking policies.
3. Increased Law Enforcement Presence
Having police stationed near high-risk areas like bars and clubs can deter students from getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
These are just a few steps that can help mitigate the crisis of DUIs among college students. The responsibility does not fall solely on universities. Students, parents, and local communities must work together to change the culture surrounding drinking and driving.
At the end of the day, no night out is worth a life. Let us work together to make our college campuses safer for everyone. If you’ve been injured by a drunk or impaired driver, contact us today. The Brooks Law Group is here to help you navigate the often-devastating aftermath of a drunk driving accident.
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