The Effects of Alcohol on Driving Skills
Drunk driving accidents have remained a societal problem for decades. Thousands of lives are lost each year from these accidents. Part of the problem may be a lack of information regarding why driving while intoxicated is dangerous. Understanding exactly how alcohol impacts driving performance at each Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level may help drivers understand how this substance can lead to fatal errors. If you or a loved one suffered injuries from a car accident caused by another driver, talk to a New York Car Accidents Attorney for assistance.
How Alcohol Impairs Driving
There are different stages of drinking that are categorized by the level of BAC in a person’s system. Depending on a person’s BAC level, they may or may not be able to drive safely. The typical restriction for drinking with alcohol in your system is going over a limit of 0.08% BAC.
At an initial level of 0.02% BAC, most people feel a slight loss of judgment with an enhanced sense of relaxation that can make some people feel care-free. The general rule is that the more a person drinks, the more likely they will make risky decisions. Other than dulled multi-tasking abilities, driving at this level is considered safe.
By the time a person reaches a BAC level of 0.05%, some noticeable changes will occur. These include decreased alertness, difficulty when trying to steer the car, and poor response time. This means that last-minute responses that may deter a car accident may not be fast enough. At a BAC level of 0.08%, the muscles are affected along with vision, hearing, and awareness of one’s surroundings. This has commonly led to problems with speed control and attention to the road.
Beyond this level, impairments of perception and physical abilities only grow stronger.
Prevalence of Drunk Driving Accidents
In regards to drunk driving, the leading cause of death for teenagers is car accidents and 1/3 of those accidents are caused by the use of substances like alcohol. For the general public, around 9,878 people were caught in the middle of a drunk driving accident in 2011 alone. For children, 17% of them aged 14 and younger were killed in the same types of accidents.
These statistics are unfortunate, which is why something needs to be done to prevent further injuries and deaths. Parents need to inform their children of the reality of drunk driving and people need to become more aware of how alcohol impairs driving abilities.
Personal Injury Lawyer in New York
Drunk driving is considered a form of reckless driving that places the lives of others on the road at risk. This includes drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Consider hiring a Camillus Personal Injury Lawyer if you suffered significant physical and monetary damages after an unexpected car accident caused by a reckless driver. Insurance companies are obligated to compensate you under the no-fault law, but make sure the offer they make you is enough to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and catastrophic injuries.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have over 50 years of experience with car accident cases. Call us today at (315) 314-8000 for free consultation. You can find us in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn.