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ALCOHOL AFFECTS YOUR ABILITY TO DRIVE

On Behalf of | Oct 6, 2020 | Negligence, Personal Injury, Victims Of Drunk Drivers

Car accidents happen for many reasons. Distracted driving, speeding, and drivers failing to obey road signs are just a few reasons that could lead to a moto vehicle crash. And these behaviors are illegal and cause for concern, driving under the influence of alcohol can be especially harmful to you and drivers around you.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 29 people lose their lives to car accidents that involve alcohol every day in the United States. Despite these staggering statistics, some drivers continue to think nothing of getting behind the wheel after drinking alcohol. Here are some ways that drinking alcohol can affect your driving ability to drive and cause severe, and even deadly, car accidents.

DECREASED MULTI-TASKING ABILITY

While driving may not seem like a complex procedure after you have been doing it for year, operating a motor vehicle does require some skill. Drivers must perform a variety of tasks at the same time, such as steering the wheel while using a signal to change lanes or turn. The more alcohol you’ve consumes, the harder it will be to multi-task while you are driving. The truth is that many people experience a decreased ability to multi-task after just two drinks.

REDUCED RESPONSE TIMES

You must be alert when you are behind the wheel of a car. When you pay attention, you notice road hazards more quickly which means you can respond before a crash actually occurs. Inebriation not only affects your ability to be alert, it also dulls your response in the event of an emergency. For example, a drunk driver may not notice a stopped care in the road ahead until it is too late, which can cause a car crash.

COGNITIVE DEFICIENCIES

The ability to process many types of information when driving is a must. You must be on the look-out for obstacles in the road while being able to listen for sirens from approaching emergency vehicles. You also have to be aware of pedestrians when you are driving through areas with lots of people walking and crossing streets. Drinking dulls your senses and limits your cognitive abilities, which is key to making good decisions and assessing risk for an accident occurs.

If you have been injured in an accident due to a drunk driver, call the attorneys at Hardee, Massey & Blodgett, LLP for a free consultation.