Drinking and driving never compliment each other. There is overwhelming consensus that driving after alcohol consumption is a bad idea. But, some still do it anyway and the truth regarding the dangers and threats of drinking and driving may not work to convince them otherwise.
Drunk driving, or formally known as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI), implies running a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of 0.08 percent or higher. However, even just a minimal amount of alcohol can result in dangerous situations. Some drivers do not display warning signs of being drunk, but that does not imply they are less at risk.
It is crucial to remember that drinking and driving is an illegal act and may come with serious penalties.
Why Drinking and Driving is So Dangerous
Drinking and driving is more than just committing a crime. It is one of the most jeopardizing activities you can do. Alcohol impedes your ability to think logically, which greatly influences your capacity to listen and create safe driving options. If knowledge about the law from an attorney is not enough to prevent you from drinking and getting behind the wheel, a clear comprehension of what can ensue when you drink and drive may be enough to discourage this impulsive behavior.
Car Accidents
The principal threats or dangers associated with drunk driving are car accidents. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol inhibits your common sense and ability to make sound choices. Too much alcohol consumption also reduces your reaction time, making it difficult for you for you to process information that is critical for driving safely.
When these factors are involved, it causes you to become a harmful and distracted driver. Whenever you are unable to be aware of the cars around you, then the risk of getting into an accident is high. When your fight-or-flight responses are slower due to alcohol consumption, then you may get into serious accidents just because you’re too slow to hit the brakes.
Danger to Others
Driving after alcohol drinking not only endangers yourself but also jeopardizes the welfare of everyone else on the road. Many drunk drivers become involved in car accidents and seriously hurt or kill themselves. In some instances, these drivers collide with motorists or pedestrians whom they injure, or unintentionally kill. In fact, most fatal car accidents involve a drunk driver and one sober driver.
How Alcohol Jeopardizes Your Driving
No matter how little alcohol is present in your body, any amount can greatly impact your driving skills. The ramifications of alcohol abuse can be diverse, which puts you at risk for causing accidents or highway injuries. Safe driving requires a variety of cognitive skills, the ability to make sound choices, and an array of quick responses. However, alcohol can impair these skills, putting you and others at risk.
- Slow Response Time
Alcohol content in the body influences how instantly you can react to various scenarios. Drinking inhibits your response time, thus increasing the chances of accidents. Therefore, if a car suddenly stops in front of you, or someone crosses the street, then it may reduce your ability to assess the situation and prevent the accident.
- Impaired Motor Skills
Heavy drinking impacts your motor skills such as your hand and foot coordination. Lack of these coordination skills can result in imminent dangerous situations. Signs of impaired motor skills include the inability to stand straight, or trouble walking. Further, too much alcohol can make it nearly impossible for you to get in the car and properly manipulate the ignition.
- Difficulty Concentrating
Alcohol can influence your concentration no matter how little or how much you have consumed. Driving is an activity which requires undivided attention and concentration. For instance, you must stay in your lane, adjust your speed, keep an eye on other vehicles and focus on traffic signals. Drinking reduces your concentration, thus increasing chances of vehicular accidents.
- Weakened Vision
Excessive alcohol intake can weaken your vision. You will notice blurry vision, or may be unable to manipulate eye movement. Weakened vision can greatly affect how you perceive distance between other vehicles. Moreover, you may suffer from impaired peripheral vision meaning that you won’t be able to see pedestrians or other cars until they’re directly in front of you.
- Suppressed Judgment
Your brain controls how you infer or judge situations around you. Your judgment skills play a significant role in making decisions when driving. Your decision making will help you remain alert and aware of the surroundings while driving, but is suppressed after consuming alcohol. For instance, you may not have the ability to foresee probable issues and make sound decisions when another automobile cuts you off.
Do Not Let Alcoholism Destroy Your Life
A DUI or DWI conviction can greatly affect your life in several ways. Always remember why drinking and driving is dangerous and how it can put your life at risk. Further, consequences of drunk driving may distress your family and relationships, sacrifice employment opportunities, cause financial problems, result in high insurance prices and even lead to potential time in jail.
Author’s Bio: Jean Clark is a professional writer and loves anything to do with law in business or in the public. She is family oriented, and she loves spending her free time with her family.