Why is Drinking and Driving So Dangerous?

Drunk driving is against the law. It’s also dangerous, causing many fatal accidents. In Texas alone, someone is hurt or killed every 20 minutes because of a drunk driver. This rate is among the highest in the United States.

Motorists know that drunk driving is illegal, but they don’t always seem to understand that driving after consuming alcohol is a huge deal. They’re in denial. They think a little bit won’t hurt them. They think they are immune to the effects. They think the rules don’t apply to them. These statements are not true at all. Even a little bit of alcohol can affect the entire body. Here’s a look at some of the effects.

Impaired Judgment

Alcohol affects decision-making and the ability to assess risks. Drunk drivers may make poor choices, such as speeding, running red lights, or tailgating.

Reduced Reaction Time

Alcohol slows reflexes, making it harder for drivers to react quickly to sudden changes, such as a pedestrian crossing the street or a car braking suddenly.

Decreased Coordination

Motor skills necessary for driving, like steering, braking, and accelerating, become impaired. Alcohol affects hand-eye coordination and balance, making it difficult to control the vehicle.

Blurry Vision

Alcohol can blur vision or reduce peripheral awareness, making it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, or road signs.

Poor Judgment

Intoxication affects the part of your brain responsible for judgment and rational thinking. Alcohol causes individuals to make decisions without considering the consequences. Someone who has been drinking may think they are OK to drive.

Memory Lapses

Drinking also causes memory lapses, so your brain doesn’t transfer short-term memories into long-term memories. When this happens, you may not be aware of your actions.

If you’re driving during a blackout state, your judgment is highly impaired. You face the risk of not remembering important details. Plus, the risk of an accident is that much higher.

Overconfidence

Alcohol often gives a false sense of confidence, causing people to overestimate their driving abilities and take unnecessary risks.

Injuries to Yourself or Others

Anytime you drive while intoxicated, you are putting the lives of others at risk. A drunk driving accident can result in serious injuries or death to yourself or others. Millions of people are injured in drunk driving crashes every year. Causing injury or death to others can then lead to legal and financial consequences.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

Alcohol and driving don’t mix. If you drive, don’t drink, and if you drink, don’t drive.

There is no excuse for injuring or killing a person in a drunk driving car accident. If you or a loved one has been a victim, contact a Houston drunk driving accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC. Driving victims and their loved ones should not suffer even more with the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other financial costs from the accident. We’ll help you get financial recovery. Call 281-347-3247 or fill out the online form to schedule a consultation.

Source:

wellnessretreatrecovery.com/dangers-of-drunk-driving/