In every state in the U.S., driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or greater is illegal for those with standard drivers’ licenses. However, even at BACs of 0.02, drivers can start displaying some impairments that affect their abilities to safely operate a vehicle.
Below is a look a just what those impairments are. Understanding how alcohol affects drivers’ abilities can be crucial to realizing just why impaired driving is so dangerous and, in turn, to driving home the point that it’s never OK to get behind the wheel after consuming even a few drinks (or using drugs).
How Alcohol Impacts Drivers: A Look at the Dangers of Drunk Driving
An experienced Denver car accident attorney reveals why impaired drivers are so dangerous. Contact us if you’ve been hurt by an impaired driver. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
When drivers have been drinking alcohol or taking certain drugs (including illegal narcotics, as well as prescription or some over-the-counter meds), they are far more likely to have:
- Impaired judgement – In other words, impaired drivers are less likely to make responsible decisions. This can result in drunk drivers running red lights, failing to pay attention to the road or doing other careless things behind the wheel that can lead to accidents.
- Difficulty concentrating – In fact, while it’s more challenging for impaired drivers to switch their attention between tasks and points of focus when driving, it’s also difficult for these motorists to concentrate on one task for a given amount of time.
- Difficulty with comprehension – Impaired drivers will also tend to have a far more difficult time comprehending the driving conditions, as they are far more likely to be confused by elements of these conditions (like signage, detours, etc.). For instance, it’s far more common for impaired drivers to not comprehend “One-Way” signs or “Do Not Enter” signs and, consequently, drive the wrong way down a one-way street.
- Impaired vision – Visual acuity in impaired drivers can degrade by as much as 32 percent. In other words, impaired drivers’ vision can be deteriorate by as much as 1/3 of their sober capacity.
- Impaired coordination and reaction times – While impaired drivers have problems coordinating and controlling their movements, they also tend to have far slower reaction times. Some studies have shown that reaction times for impaired drivers can be slowed down by as much as 25 percent. This combination of impairments can greatly increase the risk of car accidents.
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Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at Cederberg Law
Have you been hit by an impaired driver? If so, contact a Denver car accident attorney at the Cederberg Law to find out more about your best options for financial recovery.
At Cederberg Law, you will not be handed off to a paralegal or assistant. You will receive personal attention and professional service from an experienced lawyer who cares about you and who is dedicated to providing you with superior legal services at every stage of your case.
To meet with us at no cost or obligation to you, call us at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the side of the screen. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyers make hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.
