Even though a car accident can happen at just about any time, some accidents are much more serious than others. For decades, there has been a significant push to reduce the rates of drunk driving. Fortunately, the rate of drunk driving has begun to drop. For example, the advent of Uber and Lyft has made it much easier for people to get a ride home after a night of drinking, so they are not as tempted to get behind the wheel of a car. Sadly, there are still people who make the decision to drive while intoxicated. If you have been involved in an accident involving drunk driving, be sure to reach out to a professional from AtlInjuryLawGroup.com.
Poor Judgment
One of the biggest risks of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated is poor judgment. If you have been drinking, your inhibitions will be reduced. You might make decisions that you would not normally make sober. One of the biggest examples is that you might make the decision to get behind the wheel of a car. Furthermore, you might decide to take more chances behind the wheel, which could increase your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident. Instead of taking this risk, you are better off asking for a ride home from someone else. This might mean reaching out to a friend, or it could mean calling a taxi.
Slower Reflexes
Another major risk is that your reflexes will be significantly slower. This means that you might not react to changing road conditions as quickly. For example, if someone pulled out in front of you, you might not hit the brakes in time. Or, if a pedestrian crosses the street in front of you, you might not be able to hit the brakes in time to bring the car to a stop. Slower reflexes can significantly increase your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, and they might increase your chances of suffering a serious injury. It is better to avoid this risk altogether by calling someone else to drive you home if you have been drinking.
A Greater Chance of Falling Asleep
Finally, you might have noticed that you feel tired after drinking. Even though you might not feel tired in the moment, alcohol is a depressant. As a result, you have a greater chance of falling asleep behind the wheel of a car. If you fall asleep, you will completely lose control of the vehicle. You will dramatically increase your chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident, and there is a good chance that this accident could result in serious injuries. If you want to prevent this from happening, do not make the decision to get behind the wheel after you have been drinking. Instead, you should call someone else to give you a ride home.
Do Not Drive Drunk
Ultimately, these are just a few of the risks associated with drunk driving. If you have been charged with drunk driving, or if you were involved in an accident involving a drunk driver, you need to reach out to an attorney as quickly as possible. Of course, you should always seek medical help after an accident, but after you are confident in your medical plan, you need to reach out to an attorney who can review your case. There is a chance that you could be entitled to compensation that can cover expenses related to your injuries, but if you face criminal charges, you need an attorney who can make sure your rights are defended.
