In the United States, an estimated 28 people lose their lives due to automobile accidents with alcohol as a contributing factor. That is equivalent to one person every 52 minutes – less than one hour! In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported the lowest percentage of deaths (10,142) since 1982. These deaths might have been prevented if there had not been someone driving under the influence.
Unfortunately, not every driver knows what the dangers are of driving under the influence. Maybe they got behind the wheel before, and everything was fine, so they assume they are invincible. Even drivers impaired to the slightest degree put themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at risk.
Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is Different for Everyone
Although a standardized system has been laid out to determine the level of intoxication someone is under based on the amount of alcohol in their system, it does not mean that there are no caveats to the system. Factors such as weight, type of drinks, medicine, and other biological factors may play a significant role in how alcohol influences a person.
- .01-.07% BAC: mild relaxation begins, and consumers begin to feel light-headed. Behavior may become exaggerated and emotions intensified
- .08-.13% BAC: loss of motor skill control and sense of balance may be compromised. At this BAC, it is considered illegal to drive.
- .14-.19% BAC: good euphoric feelings begin to give way to some more negative ones such as anxiety and restlessness. Walking and standing may become increasingly hard to accomplish, and there may be nausea.
- .20-.24% BAC: confusion and disorientation take effect. Consumers may experience a higher potential for blackouts.
- .25-.29% BAC: Vomiting at this phase is likely, and there is a great chance of asphyxiation due to passing out/vomiting at the same time. Most consumers are emotionally numb at this point.
- .30-.34% BAC: If conscious, consumers have no comprehension of where they are or what they are doing. Medical attention is needed at this phase because BAC levels are considered dangerous.
- .35% and higher BAC: this level is comparative to surgical anesthesia, and coma is likely. Heartrate and lungs are slowed and may stop operating, and medical attention is needed.
A Decline in Decision Making
Drinking excessive amounts of alcohol or taking drugs before driving can impair drivers to the point that they have slower reaction times or make poor decisions overall. Depth perception and motor skills deeply deteriorate.
When drivers don’t have total control over their actions and reactions, it can create accidents or other unsafe circumstances. The ability to judge speed and distance properly is hindered, which is how collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles occur. Without necessary skills and judgment, driving becomes increasingly difficult.
Even though a driver who has been drinking may feel fine, there is one way that alcohol metabolizes in the system that may increase the intoxication level well after the drinking has occurred. For example, someone who has had several drinks, one after the other in an hour, may not feel the effects of the drinks until hours later. It is as if each of the drinks is waiting on its turn to metabolize. That is why some people seem okay and then suddenly stumbling around or passing out. Please note that this is not a “window of opportunity,” and people can be seriously injured in these situations.
False Confidence in Situations
Have you ever seen someone who thought they were Superman after drinking a little too much? It isn’t because they are intoxicated or under the influence. It is because they truly have that false sense of self-confidence. They actually believe that they are Superman.
Drivers who get behind the wheel do so because they feel confident that they can handle the situation, but in reality, they cannot. That makes the situation even more dangerous and may result in some hard feelings by the end of the night – but when all is said and done, Superman will thank you in the morning.
What To Do If You Get a DUI
If you fall prey to your inhibitions and end up with a DUI, understand that it is a serious legal matter. In Arizona, penalties can include fines, jail time, and revocation of a driver’s license. When handling a situation like this, it is best to do so with legal counsel by your side.
DUI lawyers in Arizona have the skill and education to handle cases such as DUI charges. Even though a driver may have been under the influence, they are innocent until proven guilty – and should use the right to legal counsel for any and all proceedings.
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