Understanding why drunk drivers tend to speed and how it raises crash risk.

Speeding isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when we hear about drunk driving. Sometimes the image is a car crawling along, glassy-eyed and cautious. But here’s the twist: in many cases, drunk drivers don’t slow down at all. They actually end up going faster than they should. It’s a dangerous combo that catches everyone off guard, from other drivers to pedestrians, and yes, even the folks who think they’ve got their wits about them after a few drinks.

Let me explain why this happens. When alcohol hits the system, judgment takes a hit long before the brain sends the signal to slow down. Confidence gets a boost, not a drop. You’ve probably met that person who insists they’re “fine to drive” after two drinks, even when everyone else can see the danger. That’s not bravado; it’s a masked misperception. The driver may feel more in control than they actually are. They overestimate their ability to handle the vehicle, misjudge their speed, and underestimate how quickly a mistake can become a catastrophe. The result? They press the accelerator a little too hard, and the speedometer climbs faster than their awareness.

Speeding as a telltale sign

You might wonder, “Is speeding really the telltale sign?” A quick, honest answer: yes, it’s one of the most common patterns. When alcohol dulls perception, the road seems less risky, and the car seems more capable than it is. The vehicle’s speed becomes a signal of miscalculated confidence. Some drivers do the opposite, sure—slow down to feel “safer.” But the majority—the ones who end up in trouble—spike their speed, weaving through traffic or cruising well above the limit. The power of a false sense of control is real, and it shows up in speed more often than you’d think.

Why speed feels tempting in the moment

There’s more to it than a reckless impulse. Drunk driving often begins with a simple, wrong calculation: “If I just go a little faster, I’ll get there sooner and still be okay.” That line of thinking ignores the biology of intoxication. Alcohol slows brain processing, dulls reaction times, and narrows awareness of the surrounding traffic. It also blunts the brain’s gatekeepers—those tiny, constant checks that remind you to slow down when the road is slick or a car ahead of you slams on the brakes. So the driver pushes on, speed creeping higher, and the danger quietly multiplies.

Roads, weather, and the Minnesota factor

Here in Minnesota, weather adds another layer of risk. Ice, slush, and sudden storms can make speeding feel extra reckless, yet the gusts of wind and plows of snow create a mismatch: visibility can be decent, but traction is anything but. In winter, a small misstep at high speed can become a major crash in a heartbeat. Even on clear days, drunks behind the wheel tend to misread distance and brake timing—finding themselves with less stopping distance than they think. That combination—impaired judgment plus speed—has a way of turning ordinary trips into near misses or worse.

It’s not only about the car. The environment matters, too. Minnesota roads are a patchwork of busy urban corridors and quiet rural stretches. In cities, speed limits are nearby, but aggressive driving is contagious; in the countryside, there’s more open road, which might tempt folks to press the pedal a bit further. Either way, when alcohol is part of the equation, the risk scales up in a hurry. And that’s why law enforcement stays alert during times known for heavier drinking—weekends, holidays, and events where people celebrate with friends and a few too many.

What actually happens on the road

So what does speeding look like when alcohol is involved? It often starts with a subtle shift: the driver is less likely to brake smoothly, more likely to take corners with less caution, and more likely to make abrupt lane changes if the car feels like it’s getting ahead of the driver’s slowed perception. That translates into shorter reaction times when a car in front taps the brakes or when a pedestrian appears at a crosswalk. In a car going too fast, even a small mistake turns into a big incident.

Then there are the legal and safety consequences that come with speed and DUI. Higher speeds mean longer stopping distances, reduced visibility, and more severe crash outcomes. Even a minor miscalculation can lead to serious injury or a fatal collision. The reality is stark: speeding amplifies the damage a drunk driver can cause—both to themselves and to others sharing the road.

If you’re curious about the flip side—do some drinkers actually slow down?—there are exceptions. A small minority might self-limit speed, especially if they’re in a neighborhood or rural area where police presence is obvious. But those cases are outweighed by the reckless pattern of increased speed and overconfidence.

What to do if you’re in a car with someone who’s had too much

This is where practical steps save lives. If you’re riding with someone who’s been drinking, the safest move is to avoid getting behind the wheel with them. Here are a few grounded options:

• Offer to be the designated driver. It’s less about heroics and more about responsibility.

• Suggest a ride-share, taxi, or a friend who didn’t drink to fetch the car later.

• If you must stay, wait it out and don’t press for a late-night driving session when you’re not fully alert.

• Keep them engaged in conversation to discourage driving, and monitor for signs of impairment—slowed reactions, loud or slurred speech, unpredictable behavior.

• If you’re with someone who insists they’re fine, be honest but firm. It’s better to be cautious than to regret a decision later.

If you’re the one who has had too much

If you’ve had a few too many, the simplest rule is this: don’t drive. It’s a choice that protects you and others. Plan ahead, call a ride, ask a friend for a sober ride, or stay put where you are until you’re sober enough to get home safely. The moment you decide to drink, map out your way home before you start drinking. It’s all about reducing risk and keeping the roads safe for everyone.

Seeing the signs and handling the situation

Legally, Minnesota, like many states, emphasizes the risks of driving under the influence. If you observe someone speeding excessively after drinking, you’re not overreacting by treating it as a serious concern. Don’t try to chase them or confront them on the road. Instead, keep your distance, let them go, and call 911 if you believe they’re a danger to themselves or others. The goal is to prevent harm, not win a pointless argument at 2 a.m.

A few practical safety reminders

• Buckle up, always. A seat belt won’t fix impaired judgment, but it can save your life in a crash.

• Leave plenty of room. If you’re driving, drop your speed a notch or two and increase following distance—especially in slick conditions.

• Respect the speed limit, even if you feel like you could push a little beyond it. The consequences aren’t worth a few minutes shaved off a trip.

• Be mindful of fatigue, distractions, and weather. All of these can amplify the danger when alcohol is involved.

A quick recap with a human touch

Here’s the bottom line: drunk driving often shows up as speeding, not as a slow, cautious crawl. The impaired brain tells a false story of control, and the car obeys with inflated pace. In Minnesota, winter roads, variable weather, and heavy traffic can turn this wrong assumption into something deadly. The best response is simple and practical: if you’ve had a drink, don’t drive; if you see someone behind the wheel who has, don’t follow the same path. Instead, choose safety—every mile you don’t drive could be a life you save.

Where to find reliable information and support

If you’re curious about the legal framework, practical safety tips, or resources for sober rides, start with reputable local organizations and government agencies. The goal is not to scare you, but to equip you with real-world knowledge that helps you navigate Minnesota roads more safely. Reputable sources can offer up-to-date guidelines on DUI penalties, weather-related driving tips, and emergency numbers to call if someone is in danger.

Final thoughts—keep the road safer for everyone

Speed is a powerful signal. When alcohol is in the mix, that signal often points in the wrong direction. By recognizing speeding as a common behavior among drunk drivers and choosing safer options, you’re taking a solid step toward protecting yourself and those around you. It’s not just about avoiding tickets; it’s about choosing responsibility, looking out for friends, and keeping Minnesota’s roads a bit safer for everyone, whether you’re downtown in Minneapolis, along the I-94 corridor, or miles away on a winter back road. A small choice can make a big difference, especially when the road asks for a steady hand and clear judgment.

If you’d like, I can tailor more tips to your city or share quick, memorable reminders you can keep in your car or phone. Safety is a shared habit, and every thoughtful action helps everyone on the road.