The Dangers of Drunk Driving
According to the FBI, more than 1.2 million Americans were arrested for driving while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics in 2010 alone. While 1.2 million individuals may seem like a lot, it does not account for those who are driving under the influence without running into the law. Understanding the dangers of drunk driving is essential to prevent putting yourself or someone you know at risk when getting behind the wheel while intoxicated. When you know the risks of drunk driving, it is much easier to find an alternative solution to getting home or to your destination after a night out on the town.
Impaired Cognitive Function
Alcohol has the power to inhibit essential functions in the brain, ultimately resulting in impaired cognitive function. In addition to impaired cognitive function, alcohol diminishes various inhibitors in the brain, causing individuals who have consumed alcohol to take more risks and to feel more confident in themselves. When an individual is considered intoxicated, they are much more likely to get behind the wheel while feeling as if they are sober and capable enough to drive without any issue.
Memory Loss
When an individual becomes extremely intoxicated, they drastically increase their risk of experiencing memory loss. Memory loss is commonly referred to as “blackouts” when individuals have difficult recollecting memories while they were under the influence of alcohol. Experiencing a blackout is possible while driving, which can ultimately lead to a run-in with the law or a potentially deadly auto accident.
Accidents Resulting in Injuries and Deaths
Because alcohol has the ability to impair judgment and cognitive functions, individuals who drive under the influence of alcohol have a much greater risk of crashing or getting involved in an auto accident. When judgment and cognitive functions are impaired, it becomes increasingly difficult to properly maneuver a vehicle, even if the individual feels as if they have complete and total control over their automobile.
Jail and DUI Risks
Whenever you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, do so only when you are sober and have not been consuming alcohol to minimize the risk of receiving DUI or worse. Knowing the risks of drunk driving should be enough to keep anyone from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, which leads to DUI charges and potential jail time depending on the criminal history and record of the individual who has been caught. If you’re caught speeding or DUI charges have been brought up against you, go now and obtain a lawyer who specializes in DUI cases to ensure your legal protection once you are in a court of law.
Drunk driving is no laughing matter, especially as it results in thousands of deaths across the country each year. Understanding the significant risks of driving under the influence of alcohol is imperative to avoid getting involved in an accident or finding yourself in trouble with the law. When you know the risks of drunk driving, it is much easier to make the right choices even when you are under the influence of alcohol.
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