Drunk Driving Accidents
Drunk driving is illegal in the entire United States, and each state has different parameters for classifying it. However, a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% is the limit used by many states to measure intoxication. Driving while intoxicated is risky and reckless because it not only puts the intoxicated individual at risk, but also every other innocent driver on the road. This is largely due to the fact that driving defensively requires a person to be alert and reactive, two factors which alcohol impairs. The chances of an accident occurring increase greatly when an inebriated driver gets behind the wheel.
Effect of Alcohol on Driving
While the amount any given person can drink while remaining sober will vary from person to person, the surest way to avoid drunk driving is to not drink and drive at all. Alcohol can dramatically impair a person's ability to reason, which in turn can prevent them from recognizing that they are not fit to drive. Following are a few ways in which alcohol negatively affects someone's ability to drive:
Impaired logic and reasoning
Sluggish motor skills
Blurry vision
Extreme drowsiness
Inability to react quickly
Loss of general awareness
Driving often seems like a very straightforward affair, but that is often because many of the traffic and road safety laws have become second nature for experienced drivers. When a driver is intoxicated, however, their ability to pay attention and follow those laws drops significantly. In fact, they may hardly be able to drive in a straight line, much less obey stoplights or one-way signs. Drunk drivers who have made the reckless choice to endanger other innocent drivers on the road can be held not only criminally liable for their actions, but also civilly in a personal injury lawsuit.
Although all car accidents have the potential for causing serious injuries or worse, there are more likely to be negative consequences when a drunk driver gets behind the wheel. If you have been in an accident with a drunken driver, an experienced New Jersey car accident lawyer may be able to provide you with useful legal options to get you compensation for the suffering you've unduly had to endure.
Reckless Driving
As drivers, we all have a great responsibility to ourselves and others on the road to drive safely. Automobiles are capable of getting us around in a timely manner, but are also capable of incredible destruction when operated irresponsibly. Fortunately, most people recognize this dynamic and are able to make safe decisions while driving and respect the rights of others to be safe on the road. However, others fail to drive responsibly, endangering others with their reckless driving behavior. While reckless drivers may be able to get away with dangerous driving for a while, it is usually only a matter of time before they involve themselves and others in a collision.
What Constitutes as Reckless Driving?
Reckless driving and driver error are two major causes of car accidents in the United States. However, reckless driving is much different from driver error due to the intent. While driver error is often the result of unintentionally poor driving, such as getting distracted or forgetting to use turn signals, reckless driving is usually done purposefully. Reckless driving may be motivated by a desire to get somewhere faster, a desire to engage in daredevil behavior, or a general disregard for the necessity of following traffic safety norms. Some examples of reckless driving include:
Running through stop signs and red lights
Speeding
Unsafe passing maneuvers
Following closely behind another vehicle
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
These and other reckless driving behaviors are responsible for thousands of crashes every year. Car accidents involving reckless driving are often some of the most severe, causing victims to suffer from painful injuries that may cost thousands in medical bills, affect their day to day life long term, damage their ability to work, and curtail future opportunities. If you observe someone behaving recklessly on the road, you can help save lives by reporting them to the authorities.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident that was caused by a reckless driver, it may be beneficial to consult with an experienced car accident attorney about your potential legal options. Financial compensation is often obtainable for those who have been injured due to the negligent or reckless behavior of others.