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How does drunk driving cause accidents?

On Behalf of | Jan 2, 2023 | Personal Injury

Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 11, 654 people died in the U.S. in drunk-driving accidents in 2020.

Sadly, despite being careful, a drunk driver may lead you to an accident. Here is how this can happen.

Loss of judgment

The presence of alcohol in the blood reduces the function of the brain. As a result, one cannot make good judgments. A drunk driver may fail to notice your car or determine its movement correctly. Besides, it can be hard for them to perform two tasks at the same time. Thus, they may find it hard to track your vehicle and steer accordingly.

Courage to involve in careless behaviors

A drunk driver can have the courage to perform reckless activities like speeding, running a red light or changing lanes improperly. People tend to have exaggerated behaviors when drunk, which can be seen when they drive.

Slow reaction times

Drinking can slow one’s thinking. Therefore, a drunk driver can take time to make decisions on the road. For instance, a driver may see a stop sign, but before they process that they should stop, they may have passed it already.

Further, a drunk driver may have a slow hearing function. Thus, upon hooting, they may take time to notice you are signaling them.

Poor coordination

Driving requires eye, hand and foot coordination, and when this is weakened, it is impossible to drive safely. It may be impossible for a drunk driver to coordinate their eyes or control their muscles. This increases the chances of losing control of the vehicle.

Despite the government having a specified alcohol concentration level that can get a driver into trouble, any amount poses danger. If you are injured in a drunk-driving accident, consider your options to receive fair compensation.   

 

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