Drunk driving poses a serious threat to people on the roads in Florida. Each day of the year, around 30 people lose their lives in collisions linked to drunk driving. In 2017 alone, one person was killed every 48 minutes by someone driving under the influence. Widespread public awareness campaigns have raised attention to the dangers of drunk driving, which has become increasingly socially unacceptable. Blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits have been lowered over the years. As a result, drunk-driving fatalities have declined by over 33% in the past 30 years.
Even so, motor vehicle accidents linked to drunk driving kill over 10,000 people each year and cause over $44 billion in damages. Alcohol is fundamentally dangerous when driving because it impairs judgment and reasoning, both of which are important when behind the wheel. Studies have shown that at a BAC of 0.08, the risk of accidents goes up significantly. In most states of the country, 0.08 is the legal limit. Individuals found driving above that limit can face drunk driving charges. However, even lower amounts can cause impairment for some people, and drivers with lower alcohol levels were involved in 1,837 deadly crashes in 2017.
Police use a Breathalyzer to measure a driver’s alcohol levels. At even an 0.02 BAC, people have more difficulty multitasking, and at 0.05, individuals are less able to handle emergency situations behind the wheel or steer their vehicles. By the time 0.08 has been reached, people are less able to control speed, perceive objects accurately or process visual information from the road ahead.
Accidents caused by drunk driving can cause catastrophic injuries and even fatalities. Individuals who have been injured by someone else driving under the influence may consult with a personal injury attorney for assistance with seeking compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other losses.
