Alcohol use is a major cause of automobile accidents in the United States. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, over 16,000 people were killed in 2004 because of accidents involving drunk drivers. What makes this figure even more shocking is that car accidents caused by drunk drivers are entirely preventable.
Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol has effects on the skills we need to remain focused and safe on the road. Even a low blood alcohol level can have enough of an effect to cause an accident. Alcohol has an effect on many motor skills necessary to drive safely including:
- Vision
- Perception
- Attention
- Steering
- Coordination
- Reaction Time
You may have only had a couple of drinks with dinner and not feel drunk at all, but the fact is, even very low blood alcohol levels still have an effect on our ability to drive safely, whether we feel drunk or not.
Drunk drivers risk the lives of not only themselves and their passengers but every other person on the road. If you observe a driver who appears to be inebriated on the road, call the policy immediately. Signs of a drunk driver include:
- Swerving
- Driving too fast
- Driving too slow
- Changing speeds erratically
- Tailgating
- Driving without headlights
Although drunk driving is a very significant cause of auto accidents, it may not always be the drunk driver’s fault. However, it is very difficult for a driver who was under the influence of alcohol to defend themselves against a lawsuit. Judgments in lawsuits against drunk drivers are often larger than any other judgment simply because juries want to punish the drunk driver.
In addition to the fact that the judgments awarded in drunk driving cases are often larger than usual car accident judgments, these judgments are typically immune from bankruptcy. Also, the drunk driver’s license will most likely be revoked for a period of time and he or she may also be faced with jail time.
If you have been involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, you may be entitled to receive compensation. If you were the drunk driver, the accident still may not have been your fault. Either way, you should contact an attorney immediately.
