Men are most commonly arrested with far greater frequency for DUI than women. in recent years  the number of arrests of women for DUI has increased significantly; 36% over the past decade. These figures are not just general estimations. They are based on analytical research performed by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation.

This study also revealed that the average woman who is arrested for drunk driving is older than males arrested for the same violation. Curiously, the education level of the women is much higher and they are known for being the primary caregiver of their children. These facts alone may be enough to shatter more than a few of the common stereotypes about those who are arrested for DUI’s.

The study points out there are many women who care for their children and suffer from alcohol dependency. However, the amount of alcohol they drink during the day may not seem significant enough to be a problem so they do not assume they have issues with alcohol. Of course, it is not the amount of alcohol that determines whether one has a problem. Rather, it is the impact the consumption has on one’s behavior. A women having two or three glasses of wine per day may not see the amount as problematic but if it leads to impaired driving then it certainly is a problem.

In some instances, the amount of alcohol a woman may drink per day is very obviously a dangerously high volume. However, the woman may have convinced herself she is not drinking to excess and no substance abuse issue exists. Such denial of a substance abuse issue will frequently lead to errors in judgment such as getting behind the wheel of a vehicle intoxicated.

The safety risks and the legal ramifications inherent in such behavior do little to deter the actions. This is why the condition of alcoholism is a serious one and the crime of DUI is equally serious.