Since 1981, the President has declared December as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. Historically, there has been an increase in impaired driving around the holidays. This month is an important time to spread awareness about the dangers of impaired driving and to start conversations with friends, family, and children.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is rolling out its holiday driving campaign. Law enforcement around the country will be hyperaware of impaired driving. Last year, the California Highway Patrol (CHP) arrested more than 900 drivers across the state on suspicion of impaired driving. These statistics do not include arrests from local law enforcement agencies.
The Dangers of Impaired Driving
Alcohol affects the entire body. Drinking enough of it will greatly affect muscle coordination and function. For example, vision and hand-eye coordination become impaired. When alcohol enters the brain, memory, judgment, and reaction speed are all negatively impacted.
In most states, the legal limit to operate a motor vehicle is a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 percent. According to NHTSA, a BAC of 0.08 percent will affect a driver’s concentration, speed control, steering control, and information processing. NHTSA provides a detailed list of how alcohol could affect a driver.
You should not assume that having one drink is harmless before driving. Many factors affect someone’s BAC. Bodyweight, age, sex, and rate of consumption can all affect BAC. In addition, someone who has not eaten before drinking could feel alcohol’s effects very quickly. In an emergency situation, you want your mind to be as sharp and prepared as possible.
What to Do If Involved in a Car Accident With an Impaired Driver
Seek medical attention. If you have been involved in a car accident, you should check to see if you are okay before trying to move. If you look and feel fine, then you should try to check on the other party involved to see if they need emergency medical attention.
If you do not receive medical attention at the accident scene, you should go see a medical professional on your own. Sometimes, delayed symptoms like headaches or bruising occur. It is important to receive verification that they are not underlying symptoms of a greater issue like a concussion or soft tissue injury.
Contact a car accident attorney. Unfortunately, car accidents can have catastrophic consequences. If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of someone else, then you could have a viable claim to recover compensation for injuries and damages. Depending on the situation, a car accident could result in expensive medical bills and lost wages.
The Law Offices of Braid Pezzaglia helps clients through the legal aftermath of a car accident so they can focus on recovery. We fully investigate our clients’ accidents, determine fault, and establish our clients’ rights to a full and fair settlement.
To discuss your situation, call us today at (408) 650-8955 or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation. Read our car accident FAQ for more information about what to do if you are in an accident.
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