When it comes to driving, safety should always be the top priority. Therefore, as a driver, avoiding going behind the wheel while impaired is best.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a dangerous gamble that’s hard to win. Unfortunately, you could easily end up the victim of someone who is willing to take that bet.
The sobering statistics
Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) findings, nearly 37 people die daily in alcohol-related vehicle crashes. This can be rounded off to approximately one death every 40 minutes.
Furthermore, in 2019 alone, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities accounted for 28% of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States. These numbers are alarming and heart-wrenching, highlighting the urgent need to address this issue.
Why drinking and driving is a dangerous combination
One of the most obvious reasons drinking and driving is such a dangerous combination is the impairment of judgment and reaction times. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that slows down brain function, leading to decreased cognitive abilities. When a person is intoxicated, their ability to make sound decisions, react quickly to potential hazards and maintain proper vehicle control is significantly compromised.
Furthermore, alcohol consumption also affects a driver’s vision and coordination, making it even harder to navigate the roads safely. Blurred vision and difficulty focusing on the road ahead can lead to missed traffic signals, pedestrians or other vehicles. Additionally, impaired hand-eye coordination makes it challenging to steer the vehicle accurately, increasing the risk of veering into adjacent lanes or causing accidents.
Clearly, the risks of drinking and driving cannot be overstated. If a drunk driver has injured you in a car crash, you have every right to seek financial compensation for your injuries and losses.