Why Is Driving Under the Influence So Dangerous?

 Posted on September 17, 2024 in Car Accidents

You have probably seen various campaigns to prevent drunk driving, with slogans like, "You booze, you cruise, you lose." A similar campaign against driving while high uses the tagline, "If you feel different, you drive different." Illinois laws make driving under the influence illegal, but people still do it every day. Have you ever wondered why these behaviors are dangerous?

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol dramatically increases the chance of causing a car crash that may injure or kill someone. If you are injured in a car accident caused by someone who was driving under the influence, you deserve compensation. A skilled lawyer from Barrington Injury Attorneys can investigate your accident and help you hold the at-fault party accountable. Call now for your free consultation.

Why Is Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs Dangerous?

Using drugs or consuming alcohol can cause various impairments that make safe driving nearly impossible, as reflected in the current Illinois campaign slogan, "Drive safe, drive sober." These impairments include:

• Blurred vision
• Disassociation
• Impaired judgment
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Reduced motor coordination

Even a small amount of alcohol or drugs in your system can cause these and other impairments. In Illinois, it is illegal to drive with a THC blood level of 5+ nanograms or 10+ nanograms of other bodily substances. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or higher is also illegal, but motorists who show signs of impairment with a BAC of 0.05 percent can also face DUI charges.

What Driving Behaviors Do These Impairments Cause?

Driving while intoxicated or high can lead to various unsafe driving actions, including:

• Dramatic swerving and drifting through traffic lanes
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Traveling in the wrong direction on one-way streets
• Erratic speeds
• Driving without headlights
• Unexpected maneuvering
• Road rage

Impairments also typically delay the driver’s reaction times, often leading to otherwise avoidable collisions. In some cases, these drivers do not take any actions to avoid a collision and may crash into pedestrians, immovable objects, or other vehicles at high speeds. Victims of these accidents may experience severe or catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, internal organ damage, whiplash, and soft tissue damage.

If you were injured by someone who was high or intoxicated, you may receive reimbursement or compensation for your eligible losses, which may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disfigurement
• Diminished quality of life

When you choose Barrington Injury Attorneys, we will meticulously calculate your damages and work to get you the full amount you deserve.

Call Now for Your Free Consultation With Our Lake County, IL Car Accident Lawyers

You should not have to pay the price for another person’s mistake. At Barrington Injury Attorneys, we will protect your best interests and hold the at-fault party accountable. Call us today at 224-900-HURT to speak with our dedicated Barrington, IL personal injury attorneys.