Why would a drunk driver be at the same crash risk as a novice driver in a new environment?

The reasoning behind why the drunk driver would be at the same crash risk as a novice driver in a new environment is due to the lack of previous learning opportunities. Both the drunk driver and the novice driver may not have the necessary experience to navigate the environment safely.

The novice driver is encountering new driving situations that they have not yet learned to handle, making them susceptible to mistakes. Similarly, the drunk driver, despite potentially having experience, may face impaired judgment and decreased cognitive abilities due to alcohol intoxication. This impairment can prevent them from applying their previous driving knowledge effectively, akin to how a novice driver might struggle in an unfamiliar setting.

Thus, the similarities in their lack of situational awareness and learning opportunities lead to an equally high risk of crashing.