Ways to Avoid Drinking And Driving

Drunk driving remains a serious issue in Connecticut and across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), roughly 28 people are killed every single day in accidents involving a drunk driver. In just one recent year, drunk driving-related crashes killed 10,142 people across the country.

By familiarizing yourself with some of the common signs of drunk driving, you can protect yourself and your passengers from harm.

If you have been in an accident involving a drunk driver in Connecticut, you could be entitled to compensation to help cover costs related to the accident, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and the pain and suffering you experienced.

At Wocl Leydon, LLC, our attorneys have the skills and experience necessary to pursue the best outcome in your case. Contact us today for a free case review.

What Is Drinking and Driving?

Drinking and driving occur when someone operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol limits a person’s ability to assess traffic situations impairs their ability to focus on the task of driving, and delays reaction times. Driving under the influence of alcohol can cause severe accidents.

The Consequences of Drinking and Driving

Drinking and driving is also a serious traffic offense and can result in steep penalties, including high fines, license suspension, increased insurance costs, and even jail time. Repeat offenses can result in even harsher penalties.

If a drunk driver causes a crash, they – and their insurer – may be responsible for compensating victims for their losses.

How Can You Detect Drunk Drivers?

Some signs of a potential drunk driver to look out for include drivers who are:

• Making wide turns
• Weaving, swerving or drifting
• Almost striking objects or vehicles
• Driving on the wrong side of the road
• Driving at a very slow speed
• Stopping without cause
• Braking erratically
• Responding slowly to traffic signals
• Turning abruptly or illegally
• Driving after dark with headlights off

Blood Alcohol Levels

Blood alcohol level, sometimes referred to as blood alcohol concentration (BAC), is a measurement of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream. If a person has a BAC of 0.10%, they have one part alcohol per 1,000 parts of blood in their bloodstream.

Below is a list of BAC levels and their corresponding effects:

• 0.02% BAC – Light or moderate drinkers may start to feel the effects of alcohol.
• 0.05% BAC – Most drinkers feel the effects of alcohol and may experience impairment.
• 0.08% BAC – Legally intoxicated. Impairment of motor skills and functions.
• 0.10% BAC – Significant impairment. Speech may be slurred, peripheral vision is affected, and reaction time is slowed.
• 0.15% BAC – Drinkers may begin to experience significant balance issues and loss of coordination.

How to Avoid Being Involved in a Drunk Driving Accident

Taking the following precautions can help you avoid a drunk driving accident:

• Choose a designated driver when going out with a group.
• If you go out alone and plan to drive yourself home, avoid drinking entirely.
• Never feel pressured into drinking alcohol.
• Call a taxi or a ride-share like Uber or Lyft to take you home if you have been drinking.
• Never get in a car with a driver who’s been drinking.

By learning to detect the signs of a drunk driver, you can help protect yourself from drunk driving accidents. Consider taking these precautions when you are driving, especially at night:

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, especially vehicles that seem like they have an impaired driver at the wheel.
• Wear your seatbelt.
• Avoid driving late at night if at all possible.
• Take extra care when crossing or turning through intersections.
• Exercise extra caution on holidays, when more motorists are likely to drink and drive.

If you have been involved in an accident with a drunk driver, contact Wocl Leydon, LLC today for a free case evaluation to learn about your legal options. Note the above points and remember how to avoid drinking and driving.