Did you know that there is one death every 51 minutes in the US because of drunk driving? Nearly 29% of all car accident-related deaths are due to drivers driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Quite an alarming rate when you consider the fact that the age of most of these drivers is between 21-35.
BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration of 0.08% grams per deciliter or higher is considered more than enough to impair your driving. Even though laws in all states prevent you from driving when you are under the influence, statistics of these accidents speak otherwise. Young adults especially are more prone to drinking and driving.
How does BAC affect your driving?
When you are under the influence of alcohol your brain’s control over your body gets affected depending on the percentage of alcohol in your blood. The following will explain how:
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When your BAC is .02% which is typically after two alcoholic drinks: |
When your BAC is 0.08% which is typically after four alcoholic drinks: |
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When your BAC is 0.15% which is after seven alcoholic drinks or more: |
How can we prevent drunk driving and accidents related to it?
Since statistics speak alarmingly about the effects of driving under the influence preventive measures and strict law enforcement is required to prevent it. A car accident lawyer can help you if you are already a victim of a drunk driving car accident. But, here are a few things you should know:
1. All states enforce a BAC limit of 0.08%, zero tolerance for drivers who are less than 21 years of age and there's also a minimum legal age for drinking.
2. Ignition interlocks (locks which are set on your car until your BAC has been determined) is mandatorily implemented for all offenders in individual states and is gaining popularity.
3. States are supporting sobriety checkpoints, where a team of police officers checks your BAC levels, at famous discos and clubs.
4. If you are throwing a party, keep a check on your guests and make sure that they don’t go overboard with their drinking. Make arrangements for them to stay if you feel they are incapable of driving. Provide plenty of food and other nonalcoholic beverages.
5. If you are attending a party, then assign a designated driver who would not drink. Protect your friends by taking their keys away and not allowing them to drive.
6. In case you are driving on the road and see that the driver ahead of you is having difficulty keeping on the road, then do not hesitate to call 911 and report the driver. You are probably going to save many lives.
If you or your loved one has been a victim of drunken driving, then please contact us on our website or call us at 844-777-2529. Our expert team of personal injury lawyers will help you file a case and get you the compensation you rightly deserve.
Alvin F. de Levie is a 1973, Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the Pennsylvania State University and a 1976 graduate of the Villanova University School of Law. He is an expert in Pennsylvania Law revolving around medical malpractice and personal injury.
Mr. de Levie has consistently been voted by his peers to receive Martindale-Hubbell's "AV Preeminent" 5.0 out of 5.0 rating. An AV Preeminent rating is the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards.
