Car, Truck, or Motorcycle Accidents Involving Alcohol-Impaired Drivers

Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the leading causes of injuries and fatalities. In fact, it is not only illegal but also exposes other road users to motor vehicle accidents. In the United States alone 1 person is killed every 30 minutes in an alcohol-related motor vehicle accident. It is heart-breaking that every day, lives are lost in preventable deaths in road traffic crashes.

The most surprising thing about alcohol-impaired drivers is that they still manage to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol at a bar or nightclub. In response to cases of drunk driving, quite a number of states have passed laws to prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

If you plan on drinking, make sure you ask someone to drive you home safely. Also, you can call a taxi or take a bus. The most important thing here is to avoid driving while under the influence. By doing so, you will protect yourself and others.

Preventive Measures

Some of the effective preventive measures are:

• Enforcing blood alcohol concentration (BAC) laws in all states
• Revoking the driver’s license of those involved in drunk driving
• Setting up sobriety checkpoints
• Raising taxes on alcohol
• Creating awareness in the community, schools, and organizations on the risks involved as a result of substance abuse.

 Protecting Yourself and Others from Drunk Drivers

Watch out for drunk drivers when driving through a busy road or street. Some of the tell-tale signs of an intoxicated driver are:

• Failure to maintain one lane on the road
• Most drunk drivers are more likely to show up late at night
• Be careful when approaching a driver who is weaving across lanes
• Drunk drivers will ignore stop signs or other signals
• Drivers driving too quickly or too slow
• Drivers who stop too quickly or too slow     

Effect of Alcohol on Our Bodies

Some of the effects of alcohol that affect driving includes lack of concentration, inability to judge distance and speed, and loss of balance and coordination. The time taken by an average person to metabolize alcohol is about 1 hour per drink.

This tells you that you’ll need more time to sober up. No shortcuts.

The standard drink containing the same amount of alcohol in the United States is:

• 12 ounces of a regular beer
• 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
• 5 ounces of wine

Motorcycle Accident Caused by Impaired Driving Crash

Just like other motor vehicles, motorcycles have the same rights and privileges on the road. When a motorcycle accident is caused by an intoxicated driver and there is enough evidence, a motorcycle injury lawyer can file a claim for the damages.

When someone dies or is injured as a result of drunk driving, multiple parties can be held responsible for the accident. They include bars and restaurants, other drivers, and social hosts.

The injured victim can file a personal injury claim against both parties in order to recover as much compensation as possible – for both economic and non-economic damages.

Have you or a family member been injured by a drunk driver or suffered damage? Make sure you contact our experienced personal injury attorney.