Drunk driving continues to be a scourge on Missouri roads. Despite the enormous risks, many people still choose to drive while under the influence. Accidents caused by such behavior have cost untold numbers of people their lives. Some motorists don’t learn their lessons about the dangers of drunk driving until facing severe criminal or civil consequences.
The consistent dangers of drunk driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration tracks accident statistics in the United States, and the information about drunk driving is frightening. According to the NHTSA, drunk driving leads to an estimated 28 deaths per day, which equates to over 10,000 deaths annually. And many more people suffer injuries in alcohol-related collisions as well.
Alcohol impairs a driver’s abilities in several ways. Reaction time may slow dramatically, and a driver could lose perception and judgment behind the wheel. Illegal and legal drugs may cause a similar effect.
A person is legally drunk when a person’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) reaches .08 or higher. However, a person may still face charges even if the amount of alcohol in the system is below that threshold.
Liability and drunk driving
People with substance abuse problems might find it challenging to avoid drinking and driving. Others might make a mistake once, assuming they can drive after having a rare few drinks. Regardless of the circumstances, drunk drivers who cause car accidents might face a lawsuit.
When a drunk driver takes to the road, the driver may place others in harm’s way. Drivers are responsible for keeping others safe, and driving in an impaired state would seemingly undermine this duty. Therefore, the victims may have a negligence case if a drunk driver inflicts harm on them.