Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors that drivers engage in, with approximately one in every three motor vehicle accidents involving an intoxicated driver. This means that people who want to protect themselves from accidents need to be wary of those driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. But what exactly makes drunk driving so dangerous, and what can you do to protect yourself from drunk drivers?
What is Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving, often referred to as driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), is much as it sounds like: it is when people decide to drive a motor vehicle after consuming alcoholic beverages. In New York State, someone is considered to be legally intoxicated if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or above, and impaired if they have a BAC of .06 or above.
What Does Drunk Driving Look Like?
Drunk driving can be commonly identified by a number of common symptoms. These include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to slow or stop for stop signs or traffic lights
- Excessive speeding, or driving well below the speed limit
- Swerving or zig-zagging between lanes
- Failing to signal when turning or switching lanes
- Suddenly stopping or starting without reason
- Failing to turn lights on at night or in bad weather
- Turning on windshield wipers when it isn’t raining
- Driving on the sidewalk or median
Why is Drunk Driving Dangerous?
Drunk driving is dangerous for a number of reasons. First and foremost, people who are intoxicated tend to have worse judgment and impaired reaction times, meaning they make worse decisions behind the wheel and are worse at responding to potential hazards. They also typically suffer from impaired motor control, meaning they struggle to maneuver, and may accidentally crash into someone without intending to.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
When you are driving on the road, you should always be attentive to people who exhibit the signs of driving under the influence. That way, you can keep a safe distance and decrease the likelihood that you will get into an accident. If you do wind up getting into an accident with a drunk driver, you should seek immediate medical attention, then speak to a lawyer with experience handling auto accident cases.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in real estate cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
