DUI: A Dangerous & Selfish Habit - Law gavel, alcohol and car keys on a wooden desk, dark background

Driving Under The Influence: A Dangerous & Selfish Habit

Car Accident Lawyer

As explained by a qualified car accident lawyer from Childress, Loucks & Plunkett driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and alcohol is a serious problem that puts not only the driver, but also other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists at risk of being involved in a car accident. Every year, thousands of people are injured or killed in collisions caused by drunk drivers. This blog will look at how driving under the influence can lead to serious accidents and what can be done to prevent them from occurring. 

Decreased Reaction & Compromised Judgment

Driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs impairs the driver’s ability to make safe driving decisions and react quickly in emergency situations. The effects of alcohol on driving performance include slowed reaction times, poor coordination, decreased awareness of hazards and obstacles, and more difficulty with complex tasks such as changing lanes or turning corners. Drugs such as marijuana can also have detrimental effects on a person’s ability to drive safely. THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, has been shown to impair short-term memory and diminish motor skills which are essential for safe driving performance. 

Significant Increase in Crash Risk

In addition, drinking alcohol before getting behind the wheel significantly increases crash risk – even if drivers do not exceed legal blood-alcohol concentration limits. Studies have found that just one drink can decrease alertness behind the wheel while four drinks can increase crash risk up to six times compared to sober drivers! Furthermore, when combined with other impairing agents like prescription medication or illegal drugs such as cocaine or amphetamines this risk can increase even further. 

Help Keep Roadways Safe for Everyone

To reduce DUI-related car accidents it is important for intoxicated individuals to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle until they are completely sober again – no matter how short their journey may be! It is equally important that drivers who observe someone they suspect may be driving under the influence report them immediately by calling 911 or their local law enforcement agency. Furthermore, drivers should always practice defensive driving when traveling in order to help protect themselves from impaired drivers on the roadways – both during night time hours when drunk drivers are most active, as well as during heavy traffic periods such as holiday weekends when more vehicles are likely out on the roads. 

Know The Dangers & Do Your Part!

Ultimately, it is our collective responsibility to help keep our roads safe from drunk drivers by understanding why DUI is so dangerous and taking steps to ensure we never become part of this devastating problem ourselves!

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