Alcohol and driving are a deadly combination. Every year, thousands of people lose their lives because an impaired driver made a reckless decision to drink and drive, also causing hundreds of thousands more to be seriously injured.
Effects of Alcohol
Alcohol is a depressant and is absorbed into the blood stream causing a delay in the normal brain function and inability of a person to function normally. Alcohol adversely affects driving-related skills. The following highlights the effects of alcohol while driving a motor vehicle:
- Psychomotor skills – alcohol affects coordination and balance. The mechanics of driving can be affected by reduced eye/hand/foot coordination.
- Cognitive skills – alcohol affects a person’s information processing skills.
- Reaction time- slow reflexes can decrease the ability to react swiftly to situations.
- Vision – eye muscles function more slowly. Eye movement and perception are altered, that may result in blurred vision. Night vision and color perception are also impaired.
- Tracking – also called steering. The ability to maintain the vehicle within the lane limits and in the correct direction while being aware of the driving environment such as road signs can be adversely affected.
- Concentration – attention to driving may decrease and/or drowsiness may occur.
- Comprehension – the depressant effect of alcohol hinders the ability to make rational decisions.
Possible Signs of Drunk Driving
Here are some signs to watch out for. If you see these signs, call the police immediately.
- Speeding
- Driving too slow
- Unable to stay within the lane
- Taking extremely wide turns
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Braking erratically
- Speeding up erratically
- Tail gaiting
- Pulling over recklessly
- Driving without headlights
- Stopping inappropriately
We can never educate people enough on the dangers of drunk driving and the consequences it can have on the driver and others around them. People should realize the life-altering effects alcohol and driving can have and to be smart and consider the consequences before getting behind the wheel after mixing this deadly combination.
If you are a victim of a car accident that was caused by drunk driving, immediately contact a qualified lawyer who can advice you of your legal rights.
This information is not intended to replace legal advice.
Additional Legal Resources: Please visit Bloom Legal Law Firm. Serving clients in New Orleans, Louisiana.