Since 2003, it appears that the number of women arrested for DUI has risen, while the number of men arrested for driving under the influence has decreased. Between 2003 and 2012, the number of women who were arrested for DUI rose by 21%, while the number of men arrested for DUI fell by almost 17%. These figures consider the number of arrests across the nation.
Unfortunately, women are also involved in more DUI incidents that result in death, according to research scientist Erin Holmes with a Canadian based research company, the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.
What are the possible reasons more women are being arrested for drunk driving? According to research, it is believed the fact that more women work now than they did two decades ago contribute to the numbers. Women are driving more during night time hours when they are more likely to be arrested, and it is no longer socially unacceptable for women to have a drink in public. This is particularly true of younger women.
Another factor that may affect the numbers is the fact that many of the first offender diversion programs have been eliminated, which results in more women coming through the criminal justice system.
The good news is that in the state of Michigan, the number of crashes related to drunk driving have gone down for both men and women. According to the head of the Michigan State Police Alcohol Enforcement Unit Sgt. Perry Curtis, drunk driving arrests have steadily declined over the years. In Michigan, the number of DUI crashes between 2003 and 2012 fell for both women and men, dropping from 3,203 to 2,563 for women, and 11,400 to 7,250 for men.
Still, Curtis says that the percentage of females who are arrested for DUI has increased during his career which he began in 2000. Work stress, arguments with a partner or spouse, and divorce seem to drive women to abuse substances such as alcohol, according to East Lansing substance abuse counselor Mike Stratton.
Thankfully, driving while under the influence seems to be decreasing in the state of Michigan, however there are still thousands arrested each year. Whatever the reason, anyone who is arrested for DUI should seek the legal support and guidance of a skilled Michigan DUI attorney who will work to protect your legal rights and help you avoid serious criminal penalties which may include jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and more.