Todd Sumamno
Drunk driving is one of the most leading causes of accidents on roads. It is dangerous for the person driving under drugs and can also jeopardize others’ lives. Even though strict DUI laws are seriously enforced with heavy fines, accidents caused due to drunk driving kill a person every hour.
These accidents result in life-threatening and life-altering injuries to the driver and other people: a few drinks and a small dose of the drug before driving can significantly increase the risk of accidents.
When the person behind the wheel is under the influence of alcohol or drugs, they cannot operate the vehicle and drive it properly. This is mainly because of drugs’ effect on the human mind and behavior. Alcohol and other drugs affect your mind and the skills required for driving by impairing coordination, judgment, and reaction time.
Taking in alcohol as little as 0.08grams per deciliter of blood can cause behavioral changes and inability to judge properly. This is why drivers are advised against driving under alcohol or drugs. There are more ways of commuting, like taking a cab, public transportation, or a designated driver.
Impact of drinking on driving?
Drinking even a small amount of alcohol and then driving your vehicle is very dangerous and puts you and others in danger. So how exactly does drinking alcohol affect your driving?
Reaction time
Alcohol and other drugs reduce your reaction time by slowing your reflexes and thus make it difficult to respond quickly to stimuli on the road, for instance, objects or animals that suddenly appear on-road or traffic changes.
Impairs vision
Drugs and alcohol affect your eye movement and your peripheral sight; this, in turn, affects what you see. Your vision becomes blurry, especially at night, due to increased light glare.
Impairs judgment
So you are unable to detect the distance between your vehicle and other vehicles, traffic signals, and objects on the road. Moreover, you cannot recognize potential dangers and thus don’t respond as you would if you were sober. Your judgment and ability to comprehend your surroundings become diminished.
Reduces coordination
Alcohol and drugs significantly diminish your coordination abilities. You cannot coordinate your foot, hand, and eyes together and thus cause accidents.
Affects concentration
In addition to all that, your ability to concentrate and focus on the task at hand, which is driving, becomes compromised because of alcohol. Distractions increase, making it difficult to concentrate on the road and drive properly.
What are the statistics?
As mentioned before, a driver with 0.08g/dL of alcohol in their blood is seven times more at risk to be in a serious traffic collision than a sober driver. And this 0.08g/dL is the legal limit on driving under the influence, and this little amount can also cause significant impairments.
Consuming a 5oz glass of wine, 1 to 2 bottles of 12oz beer, or 1.5oz shot of 80 proof liquor (all having approximately the same content of alcohol) can put drivers at risk of accidents even though their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is low. And, if you drink more than that, your chances of getting into an accident and causing a crash increase manifold. The amount you drink in an hour and the possible impairments it causes depending on body weight and age of the person is given below:
· One drink reduces inhibitions and causes a BAC of 0.01 to 0.03g/dL.
· Two drinks slow your reaction time and result in a BAC of around 0.04 to 0.05g/dL.
· Three drinks impair your judgment and concentration and give a BAC of around 0.07g/dL.
· Four drinks result in significant impairment and inability to drive and give a BAC over the legal limit.
Around 2000 casualties were reported in drunk driving accidents in 2018, where the BAC of drivers was low. In 2012, around 10,000 casualties were reported due to drunk driving. Places where normal sober people are advised to stay focused on the road and avoid distraction, a drunk driver is sure to cause trouble.
So even small amounts of alcohol can impair your thinking, so if you have to drive, don’t drink, and if you have to drink, then don’t drive. This will ensure your safety and that of others on the road.
Who is at risk in drunk driving accidents?
If you drive after drinking, you are jeopardizing not only your life but also the life of others. The people who are the most at risk are the teenagers who get behind the wheel, whether after drinking or sober. They are most at risk of getting serious injuries or, at worst, getting killed.
Various organizations work towards reducing drunk driving to protect you and your loved ones. But despite that, every driver who brings the vehicle on the road has the responsibility to avoid driving after drinking or taking drugs. A good place like NUMA – Los Angeles Detox and Rehab is one such organization dedicated to supporting those struggling with addiction.
What to do to protect yourself?
1) Avoid drunk driving
The first thing you need to do is never to drink and drive. This will set an example in your circle and encourage them to do the same, thus preventing accidents and jeopardizing lives. If you know a loved one or acquaintance who takes drugs and drives, you can educate them and create awareness. Luxury alcohol rehab centers offer specialized programs designed to address substance abuse issues.
If you see a loved one or acquaintance drinking too much at a party, do not let them drive home and instead either drive them home or arrange a cab to take them home. Moreover, if you are hosting a party, then be sure to be responsible for serving alcohol and also ensure all the guests do not drink and drive.
2) Safety seat belts
The next thing you need to do is put your seat belts on and encourage your passengers to do the same.
3) Report drunk drivers
If you are on the road and suspect that a person is driving under the influence, you should report them to law enforcement authorities. They will then take action to get the drunk driver away from the road, and thus other lives will not be at risk due to them.
Conclusion
What you do can make all the difference to avoid accidents. You will be able to save your life and that of others. However, sometimes accidents do occur because you cannot control others. If you or your loved one suffered injuries from a drunk driver, you need to hold them accountable and get compensation for your injuries and other losses.
A DWI accident lawyer in Houston will assist you in ensuring that you do not suffer because of other people’s negligence. Consulting with an experienced lawyer will help you learn all about the rights and options and allow you to make a wise decision.
Brittany
