According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 30% of all fatal car accidents in the United States involve a driver with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.8% or higher, making drunk driving one of the leading causes of road accidents. Is there any links between drunk driving and road accidents?
Even though many states have passed laws and rules to reduce accidents caused by drunk drivers, the problem still exists. Drunk driving accidents have increased in recent years.
If you’ve been accused of drunk driving, it’s important to get a lawyer as soon as possible. A DUI attorney can help you understand your rights and options.
No matter what, the best way to prevent future drunk driving accidents is to never get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. It is essential to always follow the law and make smart decisions behind the wheel.
Let us explore the link between drunk driving and road accidents.
Drunk Driving and Road Accidents
Drunk driving is one of the main causes of traffic accidents and deaths in the United States. In car accidents involving drunk drivers, more than 30 people lose their lives daily in the United States. These crashes cost the United States an estimated $44 billion each year.
People know drinking and driving are dangerous, but most people still don’t understand the link between drinking and driving and car accidents. Alcohol slows down a person’s thinking, reaction time, and judgment, making it hard for them to drive safely. It also affects the body’s coordination and balance, making it difficult to stay in control of a car.
Drivers under the influence of alcohol are more likely to speed, fail to obey traffic laws, and make poor decisions on the road. These behaviors increase the likelihood of a crash. Even those who manage to stay on the road may be more likely to take risks or make reckless decisions, such as running red lights, that can lead to accidents.
Many drivers have car video installations to record any accidents that may happen. This is done to reduce the chance of getting into an accident. This can provide crucial evidence in the case of an accident as well as serve as a deterrent to reckless driving.
In addition to the risks that a drunk driver poses, drunk driving also makes it more likely that other drivers will get into accidents. When a person is drunk, they may be more likely to weave in and out of traffic, drive erratically, or make sudden turns or lane changes. It can confuse and endanger other drivers, leading to collisions.
Types of Road Accidents Caused by Drunk Driving
Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, reaction time, and other skills. As a result, drunk drivers make bad decisions and are responsible for avoidable accidents. Typical accident types brought on by intoxicated drivers include the following:
Head-on collisions.
Drunk drivers could fall asleep or pass out at the wheel, causing them to drift into oncoming traffic and cause a head-on crash. Also, drinking makes it harder to see, understand traffic signs and signals, and notice what other drivers are doing, which makes this kind of accident more likely.
Rear-end collisions.
When under the influence of alcohol, a person’s reaction time slows, and his ability to judge distances is compromised. Because of this, he might not be able to respond quickly enough when a car suddenly stops or slows down in front of him. Additionally, he may mistakenly think he can safely slow down and stop when he cannot.
Pedestrian.
Due to impaired vision, judgment, and reaction time, a drunk driver might not see a pedestrian at night. It can easily lead to a crash that leaves the pedestrian with serious injuries or even kills them. Even if the driver does not crash, the pedestrian may still be injured due to the driver’s inability to control the vehicle and properly navigate the roads. Drunk driving is careless and dangerous, and it can lead to serious problems or even death.
Wrong-way wrecks.
A driver who has been drinking may not even realize he is going the wrong way on a one-way street, entrance, or exit to a highway because he can’t read and understand traffic signs well.
While not all of these accidents are fatal, you will definitely get a DUI for this. You will have to take online DUI classes so that you don’t get into any more accidents.
Wrapping Up
The link between drunk driving and road accidents is clear: impaired drivers are more likely to cause crashes and endanger other people on the road. People must understand this link and the dangers of drunk driving to help keep our roads safe. If you know someone who is drinking and driving, speak up and remind them of the risks they are taking.
About the Author:
Andrea Williams is the Community Manager at The Law Offices of Alcock & Associates P.C., a premier law group in Arizona that provides legal services to clients involved in Personal Injury, DUI, Immigration and Criminal cases. She enjoys cooking, reading books and playing minigolf with her friends and family in her spare time.