Getting behind the wheel while under the influence of alcohol is never a good decision. Not only is it a criminal offense, it carries the potential to result in a devastating collision. According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 29 people are killed in car accidents involving drunk drivers in the United States every day. This equates to roughly one death every 50 minutes.
Encountering an intoxicated driver on the road is a very real risk. Since 1993, over 100 million people each year have self-reported getting behind the wheel when they’ve had too much to drink. “Too much” can mean different amounts of alcohol for different people, depending on height and weight.
Fortunately, there is a system to medically define a person’s intoxication level. According to data from Stanford University, blood alcohol concentration levels (BAC) refer to the percentage of alcohol within a person’s bloodstream. Drivers with BAC levels of more than 0.08% are significantly more likely to be involved in fatal car accidents.
It is important to understand the kind of effects alcohol can have on an intoxicated driver. Here is some information on what different BAC levels can have on someone who is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
Blood Alchohol Concentrations (BAC) Symptoms
0.02%
- Changed mood
- Increased body temperature
- Judgement loss
- Decreased visual function
- Decreased ability to multitask
0.05%
- Impaired response time
- Decreased coordination
- Decreased ability to steer
- Altered judgement
- Reduced muscle control
0.08%
- Poor muscle coordination
- Reduced ability to detect danger
- Impaired speed control
- Loss of concentration
- Loss of short-term memory
0.10%
- Swerving, skidding between lanes
- Heavily impaired reaction time and muscle coordination
- Inability to judge risks in certain situations
- Lack of motor control
- Inability to use brakes appropriately
BAC 0.15%
- Vomiting can take place during this stage of intoxication
- Extreme loss of balance and motor control
- Inability to focus
- Heavily impaired vision and judgment
- Extreme loss of short and long-term memory
Contact a New York Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
You can pursue legal action if you or a loved one has been hurt or injured in a car accident because of an intoxicated driver. No one should suffer the devastating consequences of someone else’s poor choices. At Hach & Rose, LLP, we will fight for justice on your behalf. Our experienced team of attorneys will do everything possible to obtain the financial compensation you deserve.