From APM, American Public Media, and WNYC,

this is Frekenomics Radio on Marketplace.

Here's the host of Marketplace, Jeremy Hobson.

It's Frekenomics time. Every two weeks we explore the hidden side of everything.

And today, why the first decision you make in 2012 is riskier than you think.

Here's Stephen Dubner.

Happy New Year everybody. Now, how you getting home from that party?

If you're in New York City where I live, good luck getting a taxi.

And if you've had some champagne and you're even thinking about driving home,

well, don't.

Drinking and driving is not only against the law,

but it can also be deadly over the limit of your arrest.

Friends, don't let friends drive drunk.

Alright, so maybe a walk home. Smart move, right?

That's a terrible idea.

Walking drunk is one of the most dangerous activities you can engage in.

That's Steve Levit. He's my Frekenomics friend and co-author.

He's also an economist at the University of Chicago.

Truly, if you faced with exactly two choices, walking drunk or driving drunk,

you absolutely should drive drunk.

Now, wait a minute. Levit is not advocating that people drive drunk.

We know how incredibly dangerous that is, but what about drunk walking?

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