Drivers who have had only little to drink commonly believe that they are not intoxicated enough to cause an accident.
These drivers offer up a number of excuses to justify getting behind the wheel. For example, one might claim they only had a couple beers, or they have a “high tolerance,” but the fact remains the same that buzzed driving can be just as dangerous as driving drunk.
Why Buzzed Driving is Just as Dangerous as Drunk Driving
Even under a slight buzz, operating a motor vehicle puts others in danger. There have been countless cases of drivers being involved in serious accidents, even though they had a blood alcohol level below the legal limit. This may be attributed to the trend that buzzed drivers often have a false sense of confidence relating to their driving ability.
Here are some major reasons why buzzed driving is dangerous.
Wrong perception:
The only accurate measure of the amount of alcohol in your bloodstream is with a breathalyzer test, and most people don’t have those handy, so it does not occur to them to check themselves. They just assume they are ok to drive for whatever reason.
Increasing effects:
The effects of alcohol intoxication increase over time. If you’ve been drinking for any length of time, you may actually feel stronger effects of the alcohol after you’re on the road already. This can result in some devastating accidents.
Not knowing your limit:
Every person has a different response to alcohol, and thereby a different limit for how much alcohol affects them. The number of drinks an individual can handle can be impacted by numerous factors, like: as the person’s health conditions, gender, weight, and how frequently they drink. Unfortunately, people often fail to judge their limit and are fooled into thinking they can drink more, while they are already intoxicated.
Irresponsible behaviors:
Younger drivers are exposed to an increased risk of car accidents due to drunk driving. Despite the legal drinking age being 21, some teenagers will still drink, and in an attempt to escape fines and penalties they may be in a hurry to drive home after a party. This behavior combined with a lack of experience behind the wheel can combine to have deadly consequences.
Reluctance to leave the car:
Some people choose to drive home “buzzed” simply because they are afraid to leave their car at the bar or club. In an effort to avoid the hassle of getting the car from the bar next morning, they make the decision to drive under the influence of alcohol.
Paying for cabs:
There are those, too, who don’t want to pay cab fare, or for an Uber, so they simply try to drive home. Often, they simply don’t understand that the fines and penalties for drunk driving could cost them much more than paying for an Uber or cab.
Buzzed Driving Accident Attorneys
Drunk driving accounts for a large percentage of vehicle accident fatalities in the United States every year. These deaths are all preventable! Simple things like designating a sober driver, or getting a cab instead of driving on your own, can go a long way in reducing the number of deaths due to buzzed driving.
If you get injured in an accident caused by a buzzed driver, get in touch with a competent Sacramento-area automobile accident attorney to learn more about what your legal rights are.
