Despite all the statistics and warnings, drinking and driving remains to be a huge concern, as revealed by this Effects of Drunk Driving Infographic.
According to the chart, drunk driving accidents cost each US citizen roughly $500 a year, a total of $114.3 billion annually. While that price alone is alarming, more tragic is the fact that drivers end up paying for only 37% of the damage while victims end up having to cover the other 63%.
While natural disasters tend to take the focus when they cause deaths, drinking and driving-related fatalities occur 15 times more often than those caused by the environment. While the evidence is irrefutable, people still continue to drink and drive despite the blatant disregard for other people's livelihood.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Drunk Driving Awareness
- Disruptive innovation opportunities include developing technology solutions to prevent drunk driving, such as breathalyzer-activated ignition locks.
- Ride-sharing Services
- Disruptive innovation opportunities arise in the ride-sharing industry to provide safe transportation alternatives for individuals who have been drinking.
- Alcohol Monitoring Devices
- Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in the development of wearable devices that can monitor alcohol consumption and alert individuals if they are approaching the legal limit.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Automotive
- Disruptive innovation opportunities lie in the development of autonomous vehicles that can potentially reduce the risk of accidents caused by impaired driving.
- Insurance
- Disruptive innovation opportunities include the creation of usage-based insurance models that incentivize safe driving and discourage drunk driving.
- Hospitality
- Disruptive innovation opportunities exist in the hospitality industry to create alcohol-free entertainment options that provide an appealing alternative to drinking and driving.
