Who Knew?

The U.S. Department of Transportation released the findings of a study on Wednesday that details the dramatic rise in impaired driving among women between 1998 and 2007: a remarkable 28.8%.  During that same period, impaired driving among men FELL 7.5%.  Yet, impaired driving arrests among men outnumber those for women by a staggering 4-to-1.

While I am saddened by these statistics, I’m not terribly shocked.  What I am shocked at is the sexist tone and complacency that Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) President Laura Dean-Moody exhibited when questioned by CNN about the issue:

“Women are unfortunately picking up some of the same terrible, reckless behaviors that men have exhibited.” — As if men invented drunk driving and women are simply imitating the behavior.

When asked why women are increasingly driving while impaired she speculated, “Women are under more pressure. They’re now perhaps the breadwinner with the unemployment rate.” — Sounds a little sympathetic to me.  I wonder if this reason would have been cited if the statistics were reversed–this recession affects both sexes, after all.  She adds, “TV shows have made it look hip or cool to be a mom that stays home and drinks.” — Well, if the mom is STAYING HOME and drinking it wouldn’t be a problem, now would it?

My advice? People of the world: men, women, children (?!) please stop drinking and driving!

P.S. I think it’s lame that only mothers can be against drunk driving.  I cry sexism!  What about fathers?  Maybe there should be a Fathers Against Drunk Driving.  Hmm, “F.A.D.D.” almost makes it sound cool.  Ok then, an all-inclusive Parents Against Drunk Driving. “P.A.D.D.”? No, that won’t work either.  What about Citizens…I think “C.A.D.D.” works out alright…