The Seven Most Dangerous Effects of Alcohol on Driving Ability
There’s no denying that drunk driving has an effect on our society as a whole. It affects the driver in that they may lose their license, be involved in an accident, or lose their life. Drunk drivers’ families are also affected. Their family may experience emotional pain and financial issues due to their loved one losing a driver’s license, a job, or even their life.
However, it’s important to remember that drunk driving also affects non-drunk drivers. Non-drunk drivers and any passengers involved in accidents caused by drunk drivers are at high risk of severe injuries and even death.
If you’ve been injured in a drunk driving accident, you should consider hiring an experienced auto accident attorney for help. In the meantime, read on to learn how alcohol affects the drunk driver and you.
How Does Alcohol Affect Drivers?
Drinking and driving affect drivers mentally as well as physically. Alcohol affects the mind regarding how we respond to situations, and the physical effects of alcohol usually impact muscle and motor skills.
1. Coordination
First, alcohol can affect the coordination of the driver. Those who’ve been drinking tend to have worse hand-eye coordination than they would otherwise. When a drunk driver is lacking their regular coordination, this can lead to an automobile accident thanks to reduced response time or faulty maneuvers.
2. Judgment
Next, decision-making can also be greatly affected by alcohol use. A driver needs to use their judgment while driving in order to follow traffic laws. When you approach a traffic light, for instance, you will need to decide between driving through, slowing down, or stopping. A drunk driver may not be thinking straight and may not realize that the red light means stop.
3. Vision
When a person drinks alcohol, their vision may start to blur. If a driver’s vision becomes blurry, they may not be able to tell where a curb ends or if there’s a person passing in front of their vehicle.
4. Concentration
Drunk people may feel confused about what is going on around them. When drunk drivers enter a vehicle, they may feel confused about where they are and where they are going.
5. Attention and Focus
Drinking alcohol can affect our body’s ability to send signals to our brain. This can make it difficult to stay focused and alert. Being less alert can increase the likelihood that a driver will break traffic laws or accidentally become involved in a collision.
6. Hearing
Alcohol consumption can change the thickness of fluid in the inner ear. This change in a person’s ear fluid can cause temporary hearing loss. As a result of this kind of temporary hearing loss, a person may also experience dizziness and imbalance. So when drivers are drunk, they may not always be able to hear horns or other warnings.
7. Comprehension
A driver who’s been drinking may lose the ability to comprehend some basic facts. They may not fully understand what is happening around them and may not remember what a stop sign means, for instance. This can also result in blackouts for some who drink to excess.
Tips to Cut Drinking and Driving Out of Your Life
Drunk driving doesn’t just affect the driver: it affects all of us. Do your part by cutting drunk driving out of your life, and share these tips with your friends and loved ones to encourage them to practice responsible drinking, too:
Never Drink Alone – Always drink with other people around. When drunk people are alone, no one is around to stop them from getting into a vehicle and driving.
Never Let Drunk Friends Drive – If your friends try to drive, try to take their keys. They may be angry for a short time, but to be safe is better than being sorry.
Have a Designated Driver – Before heading out to a party or bar, choose someone in your group to be the designated driver. Do not allow this person to become drunk or pressure them into drinking.
Call for a Ride – If you find yourself alone or your friends are drunk, call for a ride. Rides can come from other non-drunk friends, family, taxis, or other car ride services.
How Does Knowing The Effects of Drunk Driving Help Sober Drivers?
When non-drunk drivers are aware of the effects that alcohol can have on another person, it can help them understand how drunk drivers may behave and how to avoid them. Especially on holidays, weekends, and evenings, be watchful for the signs of drunk drivers.
Signs of drunk driving may include swerving, missing stop signs, or excessive speeding. However, keep in mind that these may also be signs that a driver is having a medical emergency. If you’re concerned that a vehicle next to you might be a drunk driver, pull over and call 9-1-1 to report the vehicle’s details.
Get Compensation for Drunk Driving Accidents With Bobby Garcia!
Unfortunately, drunk driving is just one of many dangerous behaviors that contribute to the likelihood of automobile accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident caused by a reckless or irresponsible driver, you deserve to fight for compensation and justice.
The Edinburg Law Office of Bobby Garcia has many years of experience with auto collision cases. Our team is ready to assess your case and help in any way possible.