Drunk driving is a persisting problem in the U.S. despite laws prohibiting it – and despite the ever increasing penalties for the people caught doing it. Perhaps, nothing may elucidate this point better than the findings that:
- About 2 out of every 3 Americans will be in a drunk driving accident at some point during their lifetime, either as the victim or the drunk driver.
- If no one in the U.S. drove with a BAC of 0.08 or greater, at least 7,000 lives could be saved annually.
To clarify just how and why drunk driving is so perilous, below, we’ll point out some of the ways that alcohol impairment can impair driving abilities.
The Impairments Drivers Experience When Intoxicated
1 – Impaired comprehension and judgement
When motorists are drunk, it becomes far more challenging for them to understand what is going on around them, read traffic signs and simply interpret their driving environments. What’s more is that, with BACs as low as 0.02, drivers’ abilities to make rational, responsible decisions will start to slip.
2 – Impaired concentration
Another impact of intoxication is that it can prevent drivers from being able to focus on a single task or to coordinate multiple tasks, an ability that is pivotal to being able to drive safely.
3 – Impaired perception
Alcohol will also impact people’s abilities to see and hear, both of which are critical when driving. In fact, research has revealed that drunk drivers can lose up to one-third of their visual acuity. This can end up meaning that they miss seeing important driving cues like red lights, stop signs, etc.
4 – Delayed reaction times
When motorists are drunk, they will also usually be slower to react to their changing driving conditions, increasing the risk of a collision. In fact, some studies have indicated that drunk drivers’ reaction times can be delayed by as much as 25 percent.
Are you surprised to learn some of these facts regarding the impacts alcohol impairment can have on motorists? Share your thoughts and comments with us on Facebook & Google+.
Kingston Car Accident Attorney at Charles N. Rock, P.L.L.C.
Have you or someone you love been injured in a drunk driver or any type of drive negligence? If so, you can turn to Injury Accident Attorney Charles N. Rock for aggressive legal advocacy and effective help obtaining the compensation to which you may be entitled.
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