How Does Alcohol Make Us Dangerous Behind the Wheel?

By Eugene Bruno on January 10, 2024

No one should get behind the wheel of a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Driving under the influence (DUI) poses significant dangers on the road, often resulting in accidents that lead to injuries. Those who engage in DUI can be held responsible for the harm caused by impaired driving. The fact that alcohol affects cognitive functions, motor skills, and perception is central to establishing liability in alcohol-related personal injury cases. Victims of DUI-related accidents should consult a San Diego car accident attorney who can help pursue fair compensation and hold those responsible accountable.

Impairment of Cognitive Functions

Alcohol impairs cognitive functions in various ways, affecting the brain’s ability to perform critical tasks. Here are some key ways in which alcohol hampers cognitive functions:

• Attention impairment: Drivers under the influence may struggle to concentrate on the road and act quickly to avoid hazards.
• Concentration difficulties: Tasks that require sustained mental effort become more difficult for individuals who have consumed alcohol.
• Judgment and decision-making deficits: Impaired judgment can lead to risky behaviors and poor decision-making while driving.
• Memory impairment: Impaired memory can impact a driver’s ability to recall important information and make informed decisions on the road.
• Slowed reaction times: This delayed responsiveness can be critical in situations that require quick decisions and actions, such as avoiding obstacles or responding to sudden changes in traffic.

Impact on Motor Skills and Coordination

Alcohol negatively influences motor skills and coordination. Hand-eye coordination, balance, and the ability to control a vehicle effectively are hampered, making drivers more susceptible to collisions. The impairment of these fundamental skills contributes to a heightened risk of accidents, especially when precise control of the vehicle is essential.

Vision and Perception Impairment

The distortion of vision and depth perception is a concerning consequence of alcohol consumption. Drivers may experience impaired visual acuity, leading to difficulties in accurately judging distances and identifying objects on the road. This compromised vision significantly raises the potential for misjudgments and contributes to the overall danger of impaired driving.

Increased Risk of Accidents and Injuries

Driving under the influence of alcohol significantly heightens the risk of accidents and injuries due to its adverse impact on driving ability. The substance diminishes brain function, impairing crucial faculties such as thinking, reasoning, and muscle coordination – all essential for safe vehicle operation.

As alcohol levels increase in the body, the detrimental effects on the central nervous system intensify. Alcohol enters the bloodstream by being absorbed directly through the stomach and small intestine, accumulating until the liver metabolizes it. The measure of alcohol in the blood is termed Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC). At a BAC of .08 grams of alcohol per deciliter (g/dL) of blood, the risk of a crash rises exponentially.

The correlation between BAC and crash risk emphasizes the critical need to address alcohol-impaired driving. However, it’s essential to note that even small amounts of alcohol can adversely affect driving ability. Understanding these facts underscores the seriousness of the issue and the imperative to enforce stringent measures. Beyond the legal ramifications, impaired driving poses a tangible threat to public safety, necessitating a comprehensive approach to deter individuals from getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Establishing Liability in San Diego Alcohol-Related Car Accident Cases

In personal injury cases involving drunk driving, establishing liability is key to seeking justice for your injuries. When faced with such a case, it’s best to speak with a personal injury lawyer who can assess your case. Your attorney will play a vital role in gathering evidence, including police reports, eyewitness testimonies, and blood alcohol concentration (BAC) test results. These pieces of evidence strengthen the case against the intoxicated driver, emphasizing their liability.

Seeking Fair Compensation for Victims

Victims of alcohol-related accidents are entitled to fair compensation for the damages they suffer. This may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. A personal injury lawyer specializing in such cases can determine the extent of your damages, guide you through the legal process of filing a claim or lawsuit, advocate for your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Over 2,500 Satisfied Clients

If you’re in need of dedicated legal assistance with an alcohol-related accident, contact Eugene Bruno & Associates. For three decades now, our San Diego drunk driving accident lawyers have been fighting for the rights of DUI accident victims, and we have a 99.7% success rate.

Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) for a free consultation to discuss your case.