This guest post is from the New Jersey car accident lawyer firm of Console and Hollowell.
A Center for Disease Control and Prevention report showed just how often drivers are taking their lives and the lives of others in their hands by driving while under the influence of alcohol. The report shows that in 2010, legally drunk persons got behind the wheel 120,000,000 times. At this point, this is way more than a problem — it is an epidemic.
Far too often people are putting their own lives and the lives of everyone on the road in danger. The report also showed that some groups are more apt to drink and drive than others. Four out of five times the drunk driver was male. Men ages 21 to 34 were responsible for 32 percent of all episodes involving drunk driving.
Alcohol can severely impair someone. Even when below the legal limit the effects of alcohol are still present. These effects include:
- .02 BAC, approximately 2 beers: Loss of judgment and trouble multitasking.
- .05 BAC, approximately 3 beers: Above AND trouble steering and reduced coordination abilities.
- .08 BAC, approximately 4 beers: Above AND impaired ability to control speed and increased difficulty understanding information.
- .10 BAC, approximately 5 beers: Above AND trouble controlling vehicle and delayed reaction time.
- .15 BAC, approximately 7 beers: Above AND seriously impaired concentration and driving ability.
(Adapted from the CDC)
The best ways to combat the drunk driving epidemic is for police to continue to enforce (and possibly even increase enforcement of) drunk driving laws, strictly enforce the drinking age, and possibly utilize ignition interlocks that prevent drivers who have previous DUI convictions from operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Drunk driving is dangerous for everyone and every year countless people die as a result. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver, contact a New Jersey car accident lawyer today to find out your legal rights and options.
