Driving under the influence of alcohol can severely impair one’s ability to operate a vehicle. This results in an increased possibility of collisions with pedestrians, vehicles, and other objects. It is important to understand the dangers associated with driving while impaired because social factors often make it difficult to avoid this risky behavior altogether.
The public needs to be aware of the risks involved with drunk driving and the precautions to avoid this behavior. A DUI attorney in Hawaii can provide information, legal help, and representation to those accused of this crime.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious traffic offense that leads to numerous fatal car accidents every year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that more than 17,000 people are killed and about 1.5 million are injured in drunk driving crashes annually. The Centers for Disease Control estimate that about 30 people die each day from motor vehicle crashes involving alcohol-impaired drivers in the U.S., making drunk driving a leading cause of death.
Drivers need to understand the risks involved with drunk driving and take steps to avoid this crime. Many people believe that driving under the influence of alcohol is a victimless crime, but the reality is that it is not just society as a whole that pays a heavy price for drunk driving, but also the victims themselves.
Why is Drunk Driving Dangerous?
Driving drunk is a serious crime that can lead to fatal car accidents. Drinking alcohol affects the body in various ways, changing one’s physical and mental capabilities. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, vision, reaction time, decision-making, and other functions necessary for operating a vehicle safely. Many people become impaired at just .05 percent blood alcohol content (BAC), whereas others may retain full control of their bodies until as much as .12 percent BAC.
People who consume alcohol often underestimate the impact of alcohol consumption on their ability to drive safely. Most people would not be able to operate when they are slightly sleepy, but drunk drivers only think that they have reached their peak impairment after drinking only a few drinks.
Driving under the influence of alcohol not only affects the driver, but it poses a great danger to everyone else on the road. Drivers impaired by alcohol are less likely to pay attention while driving or notice the danger of road conditions, other vehicles, pedestrians, animals, and other hazards. And this can significantly increase the risk of crashes.
