Driving Drunk: Dangers & ConsequencesBy Michaela

You may have heard before how dangerous drinking and driving is, but do you know why? The obvious answer is that drinking alcohol impairs a driver and renders them unable to keep themselves and others safe.

But what is the science behind drinking and driving? What happens when you drink and then make the decision to drive? What if you are having trouble keeping from drinking?

In this post, we are going to cover drinking and driving in-depth and make sure that you have all of the information necessary to make a decision on your future habits.

Side Effects of Drunk Driving That Increase Chance for Fatal Crashes

It’s no secret that a variety of side effects that happen while drinking make it incredibly dangerous to drive. Here are some of the side effects that can affect your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Delayed Reaction Time

Delayed reaction time is a common side effect of drinking alcohol and having a high blood alcohol concentration. This can occur due to the disruption that alcohol has on the brain’s communication pathways and the blood alcohol content, causing it to take more time to recognize and respond to cues when operating a motor vehicle.

When driving, this can be particularly dangerous, as it increases the risk of motor vehicle crashes occurring before you are able to react. In addition, alcohol impaired driving crashes can lead you to make choices that increase the risk of getting into a collision even further.

The best way to avoid these risks is to completely abstain from drinking or illegal drugs when operating a vehicle or engaging in any activities that require quick reflexes and cognitive clarity. The effects of alcohol are dangerous enough on their own, but combined with driving, they can create an incredibly hazardous situation for everyone on the road.

Loss of Memory or Consciousness

Another side effect of drinking is the loss of memory or consciousness. Alcohol can interfere with your ability to form new memories, leading you to forget the details of your journey and the events that occurred while driving.

Consuming too much alcohol can also lead to a blackout, where you lose consciousness for an extended period of time. This can cause significant problems when you get behind the wheel, as you may have no recollection of what happened while driving.

In addition to these risks, drinking can also cause confusion and disorientation, leading you to make poor decisions or even drive in the wrong direction. It is important to remember that any amount of alcohol can impair your memory and consciousness, so it is best to stay away from drinking altogether when you plan on driving.

Impaired Driving Vision

Another issue with drinking and driving is that alcohol can impair your vision. Alcohol can affect your eyesight in a variety of ways, including double vision, blurred vision, and difficulty focusing.

The effects of impaired vision on driving are obvious – you will have trouble seeing other cars or objects that you need to maneuver around in order to drive safely. You may also not be able to see signs or signals that are important for driving, such as red lights or stop signs.

It is extremely important to keep your vision clear when you are behind the wheel, so it is best to avoid drinking alcohol prior to getting in a car.

Legal Consequences of Drinking & Driving

In addition to the many safety issues that can come from drinking and driving, there are also many legal ramifications of drinking and driving. There is no benefit to your life to be drinking and driving. Here are some of the legal consequences that can befall you if you choose to drink and drive.

Fines & Jail Time

The legal penalties for drinking and driving vary from state to state, but in most cases, it is a serious offense that can result in hefty fines and even jail time if your alcohol consumption is proven by a blood test designed to identify drunk drivers. Depending on the severity of the incident, you could be facing years in prison or thousands of dollars in fines.

In addition to these criminal penalties, you may also face civil lawsuits from the parties involved in the accident, as well as hefty insurance premiums due to your criminal record.

Driver’s License Suspension

In addition to fines and jail time, drinking and driving can also result in a suspension or revocation of your driver’s license. This means that you will not be able to drive legally until your license is reinstated, which can be a long and difficult process.

Loss of Job & Other Opportunities

Finally, drinking and driving can have serious consequences in terms of your personal and professional life. Depending on the severity of the incident, you may face severe repercussions at work or even lose your job altogether. You may also be passed over for job opportunities or scholarships due to your criminal record.

Having Trouble Avoiding Drinking & Driving?

Do you know the dangers of drinking and driving, but can’t help yourself from drinking before driving? If so, you may have an alcohol dependency. It’s common for those with alcohol dependency to continue to drink despite it not being in their best interest.

The Alcohol Coach works with many women that have alcohol dependence. Through a positive approach that doesn’t assign blame, use labels, or use shame to stop alcohol dependency, women can have success in controlling their alcohol dependency and protecting themselves from physical or mental harm.

Let’s Recap

Drinking and driving is a serious offense that can have severe consequences, both in terms of safety and legally. It is important to remember the risks associated with drinking and driving, as well as the legal repercussions that could result from such an act.

It is always best to avoid drinking altogether when you plan on driving, as any amount of alcohol can impair your judgment and ability to drive safely. Doing so could save you from harm and prevent serious legal ramifications down the line.