Despite advertising campaigns and harsh legal penalties, impaired driving is still very much a problem in the U.S. In fact, over 10 thousand people are killed every year in car crashes stemming from impaired driving.
Why exactly is it that impaired drivers are more likely to cause devastating accidents?
Slow reaction times
Although driving seems easy to someone with experience, this is far from the truth. Driving requires split-second decisions to be made throughout the journey, which is why hazard perception forms a key component of driving examinations.
If a car pulls out at an intersection or a person runs across the road, then drivers need to be prepared to respond, which requires quick reaction times. Numerous studies indicate that alcohol significantly slows the reaction times of an individual, making them more prone to crashing.
Lapses in judgment
Many of us who do drink will have had one too many at some point. The next day things from the night before can be a little hazy. A friend may inform you of your antics and you feel embarrassed. Alcohol causes us to do things that we may not otherwise have done, which isn’t always a bad thing. However, behind the wheel, this is not really something that is ever going to be useful or fun. Whether intentional or not, an impaired driver is much more likely to take risks that result in an accident.
Being impaired while driving is a form of negligence. If you have been injured by a driver who conducted themselves this way, be sure to seek some legal guidance as you pursue your claim for fair compensation.
