It takes a great deal of focus and situational awareness to operate a motor vehicle safely. And while most people take their driving privileges seriously, a few do not.
One of the most common mistakes people make is driving under the influence of alcohol. In fact, drunk driving claims approximately 32 American lives each day.
If you or someone you love sustains injuries due to an accident caused by someone else’s drunk driving conduct, you need to pursue the liable party for damages. But how does drunk driving cause car accidents?
The effects of alcohol on the driver’s performance
There is a reason why driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 or more is illegal in Louisiana. This is because alcohol consumption compromises the following critical skills:
- Judgment and reaction time
- Concentration and coordination
- Vision and hearing
- Ability to maintain a safe speed
- Ability to maintain lane
Common accidents caused by drunk driving
Alcohol consumption also impairs the driver’s ability to make sound decisions. As a result, a drunk driver is likely to cause the following accidents:
Head-on collisions
When a drunk driver becomes drowsy or falls asleep behind the wheel, they are likely to veer off their lane into oncoming traffic and cause a head-on collision. Besides, alcohol impairs the driver’s ability to notice and process traffic signals, thus, making these kinds of accidents more likely.
Wrong-way accidents
Because intoxicated drivers tend to have difficulty reading and processing traffic signs, it is not uncommon for them to end up driving the wrong way on one-way streets or enter or leave the highway without taking note of potential hazards.
Drunk driving is one of the major causes of preventable accidents in Louisiana. Find out how you pursue damages if you are involved in a car accident that is attributable to drunk driving.