Driving while under the influence of alcohol is a bad and deadly choice. It impairs one’s judgment, slows down one’s reaction time, and puts at risk important motor skills required for safe driving.
The result can be catastrophic, affecting not just the driver but also innocent people.
If you’re a victim of such an accident, it’s important to seek legal help. Get in touch with the top drunk driving accident attorney to fight things out legally.
Here are five good reasons why driving after drinking is a bad idea.
1. Impaired Judgment and Decision-Making
Alcohol drinking has a strong impact on the brain to process information and exercise good judgments. A minimal quantity of alcohol is enough to interfere with your judgment and estimate risks, and it is difficult to make wise decisions. The distorted judgment leads to dangerous choices when driving, such as speeding, tailgating, or running a red light. You may think you are capable of driving, but your judgment is impaired. This dulling of judgment is perhaps the most subtle but devious action of alcohol and is a major reason why drunk driving is so perilous.
2. Delayed Reaction Time
Reaction time is essential for safe driving. During emergencies, there is no room for delay, even for a second. Alcohol impairs your reflexes and reaction time, and it is difficult to react quickly to any unfortunate incidents on the road. The delay may prove to be the difference between narrowly avoiding an accident and being involved in one. Picture a child stepping onto the road; a drunk driver would be unable to apply the brakes, whereas a sober driver might.
3. Impaired Motor Skills
Driving involves a complex array of motor skills such as hand-eye coordination, steering, and keeping in a straight line. Alcohol affects these motor skills and impairs the capacity to drive safely. This can lead to weaving, swerving, and, ultimately, loss of vehicle control. Simple things such as staying in your own lane or driving at a consistent speed become extremely hard.
4. Greater Probability of Accidents
The process of impaired judgment, delayed reaction time, and compromised motor abilities greatly enhances the chances of accidents. Drunken drivers are more likely to experience an accident than sober drivers. The accidents cause severe injuries, deaths, and huge amounts of property damage.
For those who are in need of help, the best drunk driving accident lawyer can assist and guide one through tough times. The consequences of a drunk driving accident can be multifaceted, and a lawyer’s counsel is usually called for to deal with such complications.
5. Legal and Social Consequences
Drunk driving has serious legal penalties, such as hefty fines, your license being revoked, and even imprisonment.
Aside from the legal penalties, there are also serious social penalties. A drunk driving conviction can ruin your reputation, impact your professional opportunities, and put a strain on family and friend relationships.
The social stigma of drunk driving lasts a long time and seeps into most areas of your life.