Three Reasons Why Drunk Driving Is Likely to Lead to a Car Accident

 Posted on October 12, 2022 in Car Accidents

It is no secret that drinking and driving do not mix. The dangers of drug or alcohol use by drivers are well known, yet many people continue to get behind the wheel even though they know that their use of these substances has made them incapable of driving safely. In fact, the number of people who are seriously injured or killed in these types of accidents is on the rise. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related crashes claimed 11,654 lives in 2020, and this was a 14 percent increase from the previous year.

Car accidents caused by drunk driving can be very serious, and victims may suffer multiple types of serious injuries. Drivers who acted irresponsibly by using alcohol or drugs before getting behind the wheel will usually be considered to be at fault for an accident, and victims may pursue compensation for their injuries and damages, or a drunk driver may be held liable for someone's wrongful death. To ensure that they will be properly compensated, victims can work with a personal injury attorney who can protect their rights and advocate for their interests.

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

Alcohol or drug use can significantly increase the likelihood of an accident due to the following effects that drivers experience:

• Reaction time is slowed down - A driver who is intoxicated takes longer to notice and react to important details. This means that if something suddenly appears in front of the vehicle, such as a pedestrian or an obstacle in the road, the driver may not have enough time to brake or swerve to avoid an accident. Depending on a person's level of intoxication, they may be unable to respond correctly to normal traffic events, such as a vehicle in front of them slowing down or a traffic light changing. A driver may experience delayed reaction times even if they have only had a couple of drinks and are still under the legal blood alcohol limit, and impairments become more significant and more dangerous at higher levels of intoxication.

• Judgment is impaired - After drinking or using drugs, a driver is more likely to make risky decisions or engage in unsafe behavior. This may lead drivers to commit traffic violations such as speeding, driving through red lights, or attempting to pass other vehicles in a dangerous manner. At higher levels of intoxication, a driver will experience lowered inhibitions, and they may take multiple types of dangerous actions.

• Vision impairments will occur - Alcohol and drug use can reduce a driver's depth perception. This makes it more difficult to judge distances, and drivers may collide with other vehicles because they cannot properly determine how far away they are. Drivers may also experience blurred or double vision, making it more difficult to see other vehicles and respond to hazards.

Contact Our South Side of Chicago Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer

As you can see, there are many dangers associated with drunk driving. Drivers should take every precaution to ensure that they can avoid accidents, including using designated drivers or finding alternate means of transportation. Even one or two drinks can affect a person's ability to drive safely, and drunk drivers may be held liable for injuries that affect other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or anyone else who is involved in an accident. At Kadzai Law Group, LLC, our Cook County car accident attorney can help you determine your options in these situations, and we will work with you to ensure that you will be fully compensated for your damages. Call 312-229-0050 today for a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html

https://www.rehabspot.com/alcohol/effects-of-alcohol-abuse/drunk-driving/