Drunk driving has long been a problem in the United States, causing fatalities of all degrees. Also referred to as driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving accidents often occur when those on a vehicle lower their inhibitions. Note that drunk driving crashes are not just limited to cars — these can occur in motorcycles, trucks, bikes, golf carts, boats, and other motorized vehicles.
Legally speaking, a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) level should not be 0.08% or higher, as this can impair your vision, coordination, judgment, reaction times, and more. But actually, even the smallest amount of alcohol can cause car crashes from drunk driving. Drunk driving puts both drivers and innocent bystanders or other drivers on the road at risk.
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To put things into perspective, here is a rundown of some of the hard facts about drunk driving.
Drunk driving can be extremely traumatic, both for the driver and any casualties met along the road. Living with the consequences of drunk driving can also take a toll on you emotionally — not to mention the physical aftermath of the accident. Alcohol has certain sedative effects that could inhibit a driver’s ability to drive carefully on the road.
Risks of driving while under the influence include:
Drivers can face serious consequences for driving while intoxicated. Drunk driving offenses may lead to the following penalties and punishments, but keep in mind that they may also differ per state and depend on the severity of the accident:
Avoiding drunk driving is possible when you have a game plan ahead of you, especially when you intend to go out and drink. Here are some ways you can avoid drunk driving:
Here are some frequently asked questions about drunk driving, to give you a better idea on the topic:
Around 10,000 people die from drunk driving-related deaths every year.
Drunk driving first became illegal in 1910, starting in the state of New York. Following New York, California then passed a law that distinctly stated that driving while intoxicated with alcohol is illegal.
In most cases, drunk driving or driving under the influence is counted as a criminal offense. It will add to your criminal record, most likely as a felony or a misdemeanor.
The heartbreaking thing about drunk driving is that it can be avoided — for as long as you practice prudence and responsibility at all times. If you or your loved one is experiencing difficulty with substance abuse, you can read more about the various treatment options available at Radical Rehab today.
Gary McKenzie is Radical Rehab’s CEO. He is committed to helping people with alcohol and drug addiction. Gary made it his mission to spread knowledge and resources to those in need.