Typically, it’s impossible to know whether another driver on the road has a blood alcohol content level above the legal limit. Every California driver is obligated to obey state traffic laws. However, the fact that many car accidents are caused by drunk drivers and driver negligence shows that this obligation is not always fulfilled.
Several issues increase the chances of car accidents caused by drunk drivers. If a vehicle appears to be moving erratically or in ways that do not align with the current traffic flow, it is always best to try to move away from that vehicle, even if it means taking the nearest exit. Understanding the effects alcohol can have on a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle helps raise awareness of the dangers of drunk driving.
Car accidents often occur due to slowed reaction times
Alcohol can impair cognitive skills, which can cause a significant delay in a driver’s reaction times. For example, an intoxicated driver might see a vehicle stopped at an intersection but due to cognitive delay might not step on his or her brake in time, causing a rear-end collision. Research shows that cognitive impairment can set in before a person’s BAC has reached the legal limit for driving.
Impaired hand-eye coordination, memory loss and vision disturbances also increase the risk and likelihood of car accidents when a driver has consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel. Statistics show that drunk-driving related injuries occur in California and throughout the country, every few minutes. A drunk driver is liable for damages, which is why state law allows recovering victims to file personal injury claims in civil court to seek financial recovery for their losses.