According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4,102 people were killed in drunk driving accidents in North Carolina between 2003 and 2012. People aged 21-34 are involved in fatal drunk driving accidents more than any other demographic, with approximately 8 out of every 100,000 people being killed by a drunk driver. Approximately 1.4% of people in North Carolina report having driven after drinking too much alcohol.
These startling statistics serve as a reminder to always exercise extreme caution on the roads and remain on the lookout for signs of intoxication in other drivers. If you see a driver swerving, making erratic movements or driving at an improper speed, it is vital that you keep your distance and call 911 as soon as possible. You could be saving someone’s life!
How Does Alcohol Affect One’s Ability to Drive?
Alcohol is a depressant drug. When ingested, it slows down a person’s central nervous system and lowers mental inhibitions, affecting brain function and a person’s situational awareness. This impairment can cause a person to take unnecessary risks on the road when driving and greatly increase one’s risk of being involved in a collision.
The following effects of alcohol can all impair a person’s ability to drive:
- Impaired vision
- Reduced reaction times
- Drowsiness
- Reduced sensory perception
- Overconfidence
- Difficulty multitasking
If a person chooses to get behind the wheel of a car with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher, they can be held liable for any damages that they should cause in the event of a collision. Victims of drunk driving accidents can file a personal injury claim in pursuit of damages related to lost income, medical expenses, damaged property, and pain and suffering. Families of drunk driving victims can also file a wrongful death claim on behalf of their loved one in pursuit of funeral costs, loss of personal relationship, lost future income, and emotional distress.
Injured by a Drunk Driver? Call (336) 790-5194
If you or a loved one have been struck by a drunk driver, a highly-skilled Greensboro car accident lawyer from Roane Law can represent your interests in court and help you pursue compensation for your suffering. Having earned a 10.0 Superb Avvo Rating and a prestigious Super Lawyers® inclusion for our top-rated advocacy, we can provide the hard-hitting advocacy you need to maximize your chances of reaching a desirable outcome for your case. Request a free consultation online today to get started!