Dozens of people are killed in drunk driving crashes every day in the U.S. For this reason, cracking down on drunk driving is one of the top priorities of law enforcement.
The laws regarding drunk driving are not arbitrary. Being intoxicated has been scientifically shown to decrease an individual’s ability to drive safely. Outlined below are some of the more precise effects being intoxicated has on a person’s ability to navigate the roadways.
Visual impairments
Visibility is one of the key components of safe driving. With clear vision, you can see the road ahead, what’s behind you as well as other potential hazards. When a person has had too much to drink, their vision can become blurred, meaning that they are no longer able to see clearly, avoid hazards and keep a safe distance from the cars around them.
Bad decisions
Some research suggests that alcohol also significantly impacts a person’s judgment. An impaired driver may be more willing to take risks they would not have if sober. Driving involves making decisions every second, and if your brain is not up to the task, an accident becomes much more likely.
Slowed reaction times
Drivers are always dealing with potential hazards, and they generally negotiate these with relative ease. Part of this is because their reaction times are optimal, and they can see a potential hazard long before it becomes an actual hazard. Alcohol has been shown to slow reaction times dramatically. An impaired driver may simply not be able to react quickly enough should they need to slow down or move out of the way of a hazard.
If you’ve been hit by a drunk driver, you might be able to hold them to account for their negligence. Seeking legal guidance from someone in the field of personal injury will give you a better idea of what your options are for recovery.