Drivers need to understand the various ways in which a traffic accident could occur. From bad weather to the use of electronic devices behind the wheel, serious collisions happen for many reasons. Unfortunately, intoxicated driving accounts for many deaths and injuries on the road, and too many drivers continue to get behind the wheel while drunk.
Aside from going over data on drunk driving accidents, it is crucial for drivers to realize how alcohol impacts one’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Blood alcohol concentration and driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that when a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches .02, this can adversely impact their visual abilities and attention. At .05, a driver could struggle to respond to a hazard on the road quickly and have trouble steering. Once a driver’s BAC reaches .08, this can affect their ability to control their speed, process information and focus.
With a BAC of .10, drivers can struggle to stay in their lane and apply their brakes when necessary. Drivers with a BAC level of .15 and higher face significant impairment that interferes with their ability to focus on driving and control their vehicle.
Drunk driving remains prevalent
The NHTSA says that roughly 30% of traffic crash deaths in the U.S. involve drivers with BAC levels of .08 or greater. Sadly, more than 11,600 people lost their lives in drunk driving collisions during 2020 alone, up 14% in comparison to 2019. In the wake of a drunk driving collision, victims need to carefully review the details of the incident.