Every year thousands of individuals are severely impacted by the decision of a driver that got behind the wheel after drinking too much. According to the NHTSA, in 2019, there were approximately 10,142 deaths due to drunk driving. As a result of the severity of this serious crime, impaired driving can result in significant ramifications.
Even though many people profess to never engage in this offense, the fact is thousands of people still knowingly operate their vehicles and drive after drinking. Many factors contribute to an individual’s decision to drive while impaired. After analyzing the startling statistics and thousands of lives lost, why do people still do it?
Why Individuals Choose to Drive Impaired
Lack of Sound Judgement
In 2009-2018, 2,349 people were killed in crashes involving a drunk driver in the State of Arizona. Alcohol is a depressant, which affects our central nervous system and alters our behavior and decision-making. Any amount of alcohol can impact your ability to drive safely. Ingesting excessive alcohol could give an individual a false sense of relaxation, security, and overconfidence. They will then perceive there is no risk involved when drunk driving.
These grave symptoms could impair their ability to correctly judge their physical surroundings and perceptual functioning, leading to operating their vehicle while impaired. These symptoms could include:
Blurry vision
Worsened coordination
Weakened muscle control
Poor motor skills
Slower reaction time
Decreased brain function
Transportation
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), One of the primary reasons for driving while intoxicated was not having available transportation to return home. Intoxication impairs the ability to drive safely and increases the likelihood of a severe accident.
People who drive under the influence may express that it was “unavoidable” because they did not have a means of transportation. However, there is no excusable action that constitutes drunk driving. There are several ways to get home safely after drinking, such as; Uber, Lyft, Taxis, Public Transportation, etc.
Repercussions of Driving Under the Influence
Approximately 28 people die every day in the United States in drunk-driving accidents; essentially, that is one life lost every 52 minutes. Not only is driving under the influence a dangerous crime, resulting in fatal consequences, it also can result in longstanding penalties.
Arizona is a no-tolerance state for driving while impaired. Therefore you can be arrested even if your blood-alcohol content is less than the legal limit. In Arizona, It is illegal to drive with a BAC above 0.08%. If you have a repeated alcohol-related violation, the consequences could be greater. Penalties for Alcohol-related violations could range from:
Jail
Fines
Misdemeanor
Felony
Driver’s license revocation
Counseling
Vehicle impoundment
Driving under the influence is illegal nationwide. It is negligent and could seriously endanger other drivers on the road. It is vital to be aware of the fatal impacts of drunk driving and what you can do to be a responsible driver to ensure you and the safety of your loved ones. It is advised to monitor your alcohol consumption, and plan ahead of time for a safe ride home, and refrain from getting behind the wheel after a night of drinking.
Where to Turn For Help
Being injured by a drunk driver is an incredibly emotional and stressful event. You should not have to handle all of the weight on your own. Allow our team to stand by your side and help you get the justice you need.
If a negligent drunk driver has impacted your or a loved one, contact us at (602) 230-1234 for trusted legal representation. Here at Kamper & Estrada, PLLC we will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
