Drunk Driving Accidents and Safety Mindedness

Posted in Auto Accidents on April 9, 2013

Celebrate Life and Safety Each Holiday Withing Drinking and Driving

Celebrating the holidays is something to look forward to every year. Many families celebrate by getting together to enjoy traditional meals, share stories, give gifts, and to create memories that will carry them until next years’ holiday celebrations. While each holiday is a reason to celebrate safely, there are many who choose to celebrate irresponsibly.

Irresponsible holiday revelers can over indulge in alcohol or other alertness altering substances, and then take their immoderate celebration into the streets. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is illegal; unfortunately, this doesn’t keep these celebrants from acting without caution.

What Are The BAC Levels for Drunk Driving in NY?

The definition of driving drunk is: the act of operating a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol level at or above the legal limit. In New York, the state BAC for DWAI (driving while ability impaired) is 0.05%, and the BAC for DUI is 0.08%.

When driving under the influence, also known as driving while intoxicated, the driver:

• Cannot react as quickly to dangers or obstacle in the road, including other vehicles and pedestrians
• Cannot see or hear as clearly. Visual acuity is reduced by up to 32%, tunnel vision and loss of depth perception are also very common side effects. Sounds outside of the vehicle can be muffled.
• Cannot coordinate their own movement, which leads to staggered walking, tripping, inability to talk in a straight line, and inability to adequately control a vehicle.
• Cannot make an intelligent decision which is why they are behind the wheel in the first place.
• Cannot understand simple signs and signals which can lead to them running red lights, failing to stop at a crosswalk, or speeding.
• Cannot concentrate. Lack of focus effects sober drivers, image how it can effect drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

With a BAC of 0.08%, a driver is four times more likely to cause an accident than a driver who isn’t impaired. The higher the driver’s BAC, the higher the probability that an accident will occur.

The best rule of thumb to follow during the holidays is to celebrate safely and with moderation, and to stay off the roads.

For more information on how you can prevent DUIs, please visit the MADD website.

If you or someone you care about has been injured during the holidays by an intoxicated, or careless driver, seek legal counsel from a knowledgeable and compassionate vehicle accident attorney who will take the time to meet with you and review your case with no obligation.