Table of Contents
- FAQs Regarding Drunk Driver Accidents
- What Is Driving Under The Influence?
- Are Drunk Drivers More Likely To Survive A Crash?
- What Happens If You Get In An Accident While Drunk In California?
- Are You Insured If A Drunk Driver Hits You?
- Can You Claim Against A Drunk Driver?
- Which Factor Is The Only Way To Lower BAC?
- What Is The Number Of Drunk Driving Deaths Per Year In US?
- What Are Some Important Drinking And Driving Facts?
- Bottom Line
Drunk driver accidents on our roadways are terrible and avoidable causes of pain and death. Drunk driving is a significant issue in our culture despite improved awareness efforts and stricter regulations, and the results may be disastrous. Innocent victims of accidents caused by intoxicated drivers may get severe injuries or even pass away. Because the physical and emotional tolls of accidents caused by drunk driving may be so devastating, it is critical that people and their families have a thorough understanding of how these events might impact them.
In this article, we will discuss drunk driver accidents and other facts regarding which factor is the only way to lower BAC and what is the number of drunk driving deaths per year in the US.
FAQs Regarding Drunk Driver Accidents
Let’s look at some of the queries regarding drunk driver accidents.
What Is Driving Under The Influence?
Driving while intoxicated (DUI) is a crime that entails using a motor vehicle while under the influence of either drugs or alcohol to the point that it makes it impossible for the driver to drive safely. DUI is a serious violation with major legal and financial repercussions.
Driving while intoxicated is prohibited in the majority of states, including California, at 0.08% or higher blood alcohol content (BAC). Nonetheless, even if a driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is below the legal limit, they may still face a DUI conviction if they are discovered to be drugged or drunk to the point that it impairs their ability to drive safely.
Slurred speech, poor coordination, blurry eyesight, and poor judgment are all indications of incapacity. Driving under the influence can lead to criminal charges, loss of license, charges, and other penalties in addition to increasing the risk of accidents, damages, and deaths.
Are Drunk Drivers More Likely To Survive A Crash?
According to studies, drunk drivers really have a larger probability of being in major or fatal crashes than sober drivers because of their poor judgment, slower response times, and decreased coordination. Drinking alcohol can impair a driver’s capacity for logical judgment, vehicle control, and proper response to hazardous situations. As a result, there may be a higher chance of a drunk driver accident occurring and the intoxicated driver suffering death or catastrophic injuries. Hence, it is untrue to imply that inebriated drivers have a higher chance of surviving an accident.
What Happens If You Get In An Accident While Drunk In California?
In California, there may be both criminal and civil repercussions if you cause an accident while driving while intoxicated.
Criminal penalties might include:
- If you are found guilty of DUI, you can have to pay expensive fines and other costs.
- Depending on how serious the collision was, you could be detained at the site and prosecuted for DUI (driving under the influence) or other crimes.
- Your driving privileges will be temporarily revoked if you are charged with a DUI, and you may also be subject to other limitations or requirements, such as being required to take DUI programs.
- If you are convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol, you face the possibility of serving time in jail.
Are You Insured If A Drunk Driver Hits You?
If a drunk driver hits you, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses and injuries under their motor insurance policy. In California, it is a legal requirement for all motorists to have liability insurance, which pays for any harm or loss others may sustain as a result of their negligence. Whenever a drunk driver causes an accident, their insurance policy should compensate the victims for all of the losses they incurred as a result of the accident. These losses should include lost wages, physical pain and suffering, damage to property, and medical expenditures.
If the driver who caused the accident does not have insurance and you have unprotected motorist coverage, for example, you may be capable of recovering damages from the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. This policy is intended to safeguard you in the event that you are struck by a driver who is either uninsured or does not carry sufficient insurance to pay for your losses.
Can You Claim Against A Drunk Driver?
You might be able to sue a drunk driver if you were hurt or sustained damages in an accident they caused. Your losses, which would be covered by this claim, would include lost earnings, medical costs, property damage, and suffering and pain.
You will want documentation of the collision and the drunk driver’s drunkenness, such as police reports, witness interviews, and medical records, in order to prove your case against them. Also, you’ll need to present evidence of your losses and damages. Having an accomplished personal injury lawyer on your side is beneficial.
Which Factor Is The Only Way To Lower BAC?
Allowing the body to process the alcohol is the only way to reduce blood alcohol content (BAC). Alcohol is broken down in the circulation by the liver, and it takes time for this to happen. Depending on a variety of variables such as the person’s weight, gender, and metabolism, the liver can process alcohol at a pace of around one standard drink per hour.
The body’s capacity to metabolize alcohol is not affected by things like drinking coffee, having a cold shower, or other practices that are typically thought to help people sober up more quickly. The only way to lower BAC levels is to let the liver naturally break down the alcohol.
It’s vital to keep in mind that even if you feel sober, you can still have alcohol in your system and be driving while above the legal limit. The simplest approach to prevent driving while intoxicated is to make plans in advance and designate a driver, utilize a ride-sharing service, or just refrain from drinking if you want to drive. Now you know which factor is the only way to lower BAC.
What Is The Number Of Drunk Driving Deaths Per Year In US?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 10,142 persons died in collisions involving drunk drivers in the US in 2019. 28% of all road deaths in the nation are attributable to this. Although the number of fatalities from drunk driving has dropped over time, it is still a serious issue and a leading cause of avoidable deaths on American roadways. Now you know that drunk driving deaths per year in US are pretty high actually.
What Are Some Important Drinking And Driving Facts?
Below are some vital drinking and driving facts:
- Driving while intoxicated (DUI) is a serious crime that carries a risk of fines, license suspension, criminal prosecution, and other sanctions.
- Almost one-third of all traffic-related fatalities in the US occur as a result of drunk driving each year.
- The most widely used indicator of alcohol impairment is blood alcohol content (BAC). Driving while intoxicated is prohibited in the majority of states, including California, at 0.08% or above.
- One drink may be enough to make someone incapable of operating a vehicle safely. Alcohol impairs coordination, eyesight, response time, and judgment.
- Driving after consuming alcohol is not only risky but is also forbidden. It’s crucial to never drink and drive and to always designate a driver, utilize a ride-sharing service, or seek another safe mode of transportation if you intend to consume alcohol.
Now you know some of the most crucial drinking and driving facts.
Bottom Line
Accidents caused by drunk drivers have a significant effect on people’s lives and families. They inflict needless misery, death, and life loss, and the results can be disastrous. Everyone must recognize the risks of drunk driving and exercise accountability for their actions. We can all contribute to preventing drunk driving accidents and maintaining the safety of our roadways by making sensible decisions, including planning for a designated driver or utilizing a ride-sharing service. It’s critical to look for support if you or a loved one has been impacted by a drunk driving accident. I hope you have got a clear understanding of how dangerous drunk driver accidents can be.