How Does Drunk Driving Cause Accidents?

How Does Drunk Driving Cause Accidents? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) drunk driving claims one person's life approximately every 50 minutes—which adds up to 10,000 lives lost every year. These incidents are preventable, but still happen. Motorists decide to get behind the wheel while drunk and cause serious accidents with other motorists, motorcycle riders, and pedestrians. There are no excuses for drunk driving, which can have severe consequences and endanger others' lives on the road. Keep reading to learn more about why drunk driving leads to devastating motor vehicle accidents.

Drunk Driving and Impairment

Drunk driving causes accidents because of alcohol's effect on the function of the brain. Alcohol can impair thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination, which are necessary to safely operate a motor vehicle. As a result of alcohol impairment, motorists may make mistakes that they would not otherwise, including speeding, failing to obey traffic laws, not using turn signals or headlights at night, or failing to see pedestrians in crossing areas.

Types of Drunk Driving Accidents

Drunk driving can contribute to several different types of crashes, including rear-end accidents, T-bone accidents, head-on collisions, and vehicle rollovers. Alcohol impairment can also combine with other road hazards to increase the risk of a motor vehicle accident. For instance, a drunk driver traveling in inclement weather (such as rain, snow, and ice) may fail to take safety precautions and drive recklessly. Drivers of passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles, and even bicycles can cause drunk driving accidents. In a study of fatal drunk driving accidents in 2018, motorcycle riders were overrepresented in deadly drunk driving collisions. . Drinking and getting behind the wheel of any vehicle is dangerous. Alcohol impairment is a leading factor in accidents that result in pedestrian deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 47 percent of accidents resulting in a pedestrian death involved alcohol for the driver and/or the pedestrian.

What Happens After a Drunk Driving Accident?

After a drunk driving accident, law enforcement will typically administer a field sobriety test to the driver who is presumed to be alcohol-impaired. A field sobriety test, which may includes a breathalyzer, helps determine a person's blood alcohol content (BAC) and intoxication level. Drunk drivers can cause injury to others on the road, as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. Because of the danger of drinking and driving, those who choose to drink and drive can face various consequences, including punitive damages. If a drunk driver has injured you, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact an accident attorney as soon as possible to get started on your case.

Contact a Drunk Driving Accident Attorney Today

If you've been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, contact William Mattar today. Our drunk driving accident attorneys can stand up for your rights and fight for you to receive maximum compensation. Schedule a free initial consultation today or call (844) 444-4444 to speak to a team member right now. We are available 24/7 to take your call.