College Students at High Risk for DUI

By Jim Greene

Published on November 20, 2009

College campus culture can lead to a high incidence of students driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and illicit drugs, according to the results of several studies conducted in recent years.

A study by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services included several factors that point to the DUI danger for college students. It shows that those in the 21- to 25-year-old range were the most likely to be heavy drinkers, while those aged 18 to 20 were most likely to use illicit drugs. College age is assumed to be age 18 to 22 in some studies; from 18 to 24 or 25 in others.

Another segment of the HHS study shows that, in the 18 t0 22 range, those enrolled full time in college are more likely to be heavy drinkers than those not in college.

A look at DUI statistics shows that those in the 21- to 25-year range were most likely to drive under the influence of alcohol, but not significantly more likely than other age groups to drive under the influence of illicit drugs.

Of particular concern to health and legal officials is the easy availability of alcohol in the college community to those under the legal drinking age.

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