Why Is Drunk Driving Bad?
Almost all of us know someone who has been impacted by drunk driving. Drunk drivers endanger others on the road, and often end up killing or injuring themselves in the process. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent drunk driving from taking place in the first place.
(Looking for a Car Accident Lawyer? Contact us Today! Click here: Lincoln Car Accident Lawyer)
The first step is to understand how alcohol affects a driver’s ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. In particular, the alcohol in a driver’s bloodstream affects their coordination, motor skills, and concentration. This sedating effect can impair a driver’s reaction time and ability to multitask, thereby increasing their chances of being involved in an accident.
In addition to putting drivers and passengers at risk, drinking and driving also have other negative effects. In fact, in the United States, drunk driving is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities. It costs the nation’s taxpayers over $201.1 billion per year, primarily in the form of medical expenses, property damage, and legal costs. In fact, in 2009, an average of one person dies every 52 minutes in a drunk driving accident.
The other major problem with drinking and driving is that it puts innocent people at risk. A drunk driver’s reaction time is decreased, and their vision is impaired. It is estimated that alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to see and react to situations by up to seven seconds. This delayed reaction time can be the cause of an accident. The best way to avoid drunk driving is to designate a sober driver. If you are unable to drive yourself, you can call a friend or hire a cab. If you have a loved one who has been injured in a drunk driving accident, you should speak to a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
The most obvious reason why drinking and driving are bad is the effect it has on the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. The effects of alcohol include impaired vision, slow reaction time, and impaired coordination. This can affect a driver’s ability to see other cars and people, react to warnings, and maintain a safe distance from the car in front of them.
The most important reason why drinking and driving are bad is that it puts drivers and passengers at risk. Aside from the physical risks, drunk drivers also risk incurring expensive fines and jail sentences. Similarly, drunk drivers can expect an 80% increase in their insurance premiums. This is a substantial burden on the family. One in four drivers has been involved in a DUI at least once.
The first sip of alcohol has a big effect on a driver’s ability to perform the most mundane tasks. For example, it can slow down the reaction time to a stoplight, and increase a driver’s chances of being involved in an accident. It can also impair critical thinking, decrease a driver’s reaction time, and cause a driver to miss an important signal.