Drunk driving has become rampant even though there are other, safer ways to get to your destination, like public transportation and taxis. Some people assume that because they made it home safely or got away with driving while intoxicated, it makes it okay, but there are serious repercussions to driving while high or drunk. A significant consequence of drunk driving is the financial loss one faces when an injured person decides to sue a drunk driver.
The problem with drunk driving is that it affects your life and endangers the lives of innocent people around you. Even though the legal limit is 0.08 percent, lower limits can impair your judgment. To be safe, you better avoid getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking at all.
Let’s discuss some of the dangers that arise from driving while intoxicated.
What Are the Dangers of Drunk Driving?
1. You Are Unable to Make Sound Choices on the Road
The main lesson taught in traffic school is the importance of focusing on the road. Many things can shift your focus on the road, such as using your phone, conversing with passengers, eating, and so on. In addition to these bad road practices, some people still choose to indulge in recreational drugs before getting on the road.
Alcohol interferes with your ability to think correctly and make decisions that would otherwise be easy when you are sober. It can lead you to make horrible decisions that you might regret when you are sober, such as driving while drunk. Also, it can hinder you from making decisions that could save your life and that of others on the road.
2. You Are Unable to React to Emergencies in Time
Intoxication slows down your reaction time which is very important when you are driving. Because there are many road users, you always have to be on the lookout and react if anyone makes the wrong move. In an intoxication state, your brain cannot process such situations quickly enough, which reduces your ability to react in time.
When you are drunk, your coordination is also affected. You will not have the ability to control your body effectively. All these are signs that you cannot perform simple tasks, hence should not get behind the wheel.
3. You Are Unable to Stay Awake
To drive safely, you have to keep your eyes on the road. This is hard because excessive alcohol consumption impairs your vision. If you can’t see clearly, you cannot make important decisions like maintaining distance between you and other vehicles and reading road signs.
4. Your Chances of Causing an Accident Are Very High
It is already challenging to maintain road safety while sober; imagine how much harder it is if your senses are impaired by intoxication. The number of deaths caused by drunk driving is significantly higher than those caused by other negligent reasons. Despite the government’s efforts to educate the masses on the dangers of drunk driving, people still risk their lives and those of others in this way.
5. You Will Get into Legal Trouble
Driving under the influence is a crime, and if the police have evidence against you, you might face serious legal ramifications, such as jail time, fines, or a revoked license. When you are caught and charged with a DUI, it goes on your permanent record, which can have serious consequences professionally.
Why You Need a Lawyer After a DUI
When you have been arrested for a DUI, you have to contact a lawyer immediately to assist you with your case. It’s essential to have a professional on your side to negotiate a lighter sentence, lower fines, and even avoid having the DUI charge dismissed.