Why Is Drunk Driving So Dangerous?

 Posted on August 15, 2023 in Personal Injury

Drunk driving is a serious problem that continues to plague our roads. It poses a significant risk to everyone's safety. Despite the numerous campaigns informing people about the dangers of drunk driving and strict laws that impose harsh penalties for people who are arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), drunk driving remains one of the leading causes of car accidents in Illinois.

The Effects of Alcohol Impairment

Alcohol can affect various critical skills that are necessary for safe driving. When consumed, alcohol affects a person's central nervous system, slowing down their brain function. This impairment results in:

• Poor judgment: Alcohol reduces inhibitions and impairs decision-making abilities. Drunk drivers will be more likely to engage in reckless behavior while failing to consider the consequences of their actions.

• Lack of coordination: A person’s motor skills can become compromised, affecting their ability to control their actions. This may make it more difficult for a driver to steer properly or brake promptly when necessary.

• Delayed reaction time: It takes longer for intoxicated individuals to react in emergencies or adjust to unexpected situations on the road. A delay in the ability to respond to conditions on the road may make it impossible for a drunk driver to avoid a collision.

• Distracted attention: Alcohol diminishes concentration levels, affecting a person’s ability to focus on essential tasks. This may make it difficult for a driver to stay within their lane, notice and obey traffic signals, or follow traffic safety rules.

All of these impairments significantly increase the likelihood of an accident for those who get behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol.

Increased Fatalities Due to Drunk Driving

The consequences of drunk driving can be demonstrated by statistics showing the number of fatalities that occur due to DUI incidents each year. According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were over 13,000 deaths attributed to alcohol-impaired crashes across the United States in 2021 alone. This was a 14 percent increase from the previous year. In Illinois, there were 270 car accidents involving alcohol in which people were killed, and these accounted for 22 percent of all fatal crashes. These alarming statistics highlight the devastating impact of drunk driving on our communities.

Holding Drunk Drivers Responsible for Risking Innocent Lives

Drunk drivers do not only endanger their own lives, but they also put innocent people at risk. Drivers and passengers in other vehicles may be seriously injured or killed due to the irresponsible actions of a person who chose to drive while intoxicated. Pedestrians and bicyclists are also at a serious risk of being injured or killed by drunk drivers who fail to protect their safety. 

Those who have been injured by drunk drivers have options for addressing the harm they have suffered. By pursuing a personal injury lawsuit against a driver who acted irresponsibly by driving while under the influence of alcohol, accident victims can take steps to recover compensation that will address their medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering, and other ways, they have been affected.

Contact Our Bloomingdale Drunk Driving Accident Attorneys

If you have been injured in an accident caused by a driver who was intoxicated, Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help you understand your legal options. Our Naperville drunk driving accident lawyers will work with you to hold a drunk driver responsible for the harm done to you and your family. Contact us today at 630-932-9100 to set up a free consultation and get the legal representation you need as you seek compensation for your injuries.