Council for Safe Traffic identifies six types of drunk drivers despite improvement in Denmark’s alcohol-related road accidents

Summer and sunshine often leads to cold beers and rosé wine on the terrace, but unfortunately, it also correlates with drunk driving and more alcohol-related accidents on the roads. To combat drunk driving, the Council for Safe Traffic runs a campaign called “Ready for a Breath” every summer. However, despite a general improvement, Danish police still catch more than 16 drivers with high blood alcohol levels daily, with over half of them having levels of 1.2 or higher.

The Council for Safe Traffic identifies six different types of drunk drivers:

1. Chance drivers: These drivers might risk driving drunk if a party gets out of hand and there are no other transportation options available. They don’t believe the risk of getting caught by the police or getting into an accident is significant enough to deter them.

2. Habitual drivers: Habitual drivers regularly drive with a high blood alcohol level, believing they have control over the situation as they often get away with it without any incidents.

3. The surprised: Some drivers, especially those who drink on an empty stomach or after a long period of abstinence, may not realize that their blood alcohol level is too high to drive. These drivers genuinely believe they are safe to drive and are surprised when they are caught by the police.

4. The day-after drivers: Some drivers might unwittingly drive drunk the day after heavy drinking, not realizing that it takes longer to sober up than they think.

5. Affected drivers: Affected drivers drive under the influence due to emotional distress. They are aware that they have consumed too much alcohol, but they drive anyway due to a sudden situation or argument.

6. Alcoholics: These drivers have a serious alcohol problem, and their high daily alcohol consumption means they often drive with alcohol in their blood. Some are caught multiple times with high blood alcohol levels, yet continue to drive, even if they have already lost their license.

If you, or someone you know, are struggling with alcohol, you can contact the Alcohol Line at 80 200 500 for assistance.