This past Fourth of July meant fireworks and parties as people in St. Augustine and across the United States celebrated our nation’s independence. Many of these celebrations, whether they are at the beach or at a block party, included alcohol as part of the festivities. While most people drink responsibly, there are always those who will want to get behind the wheel of a car after drinking too much, which can be a very dangerous activity.
Alcohol can impair one’s ability to drive in a number of negative ways. First of all, after consuming alcohol, a person’s reaction time is reduced. This means that they will not be able to react as quickly to traffic conditions. By not being able to react to unexpected events that are part and parcel with driving, a drunk driver can cause a car accident.
Alcohol also affects a person’s coordination. When a person cannot execute basic motor skills using their hands and feet, they could be unable to properly operate a motor vehicle.
In addition, after a person has consumed too much alcohol, they may find it difficult to concentrate. This is very dangerous, as operating a motor vehicle necessitates a person’s undivided attention. Drivers must be aware of others sharing the road, they must adhere to traffic signs and signals and they need to stay in the proper lane.
Alcohol can also affect a person’s ability to see. A person’s vision might be blurry, they may have a hard time focusing on things, and they may have a reduced ability to judge distance. Sight is an essential part of driving, so if this sense is reduced, there is an increase in the chance that a crash could occur.
Finally, alcohol use can inhibit a person’s ability to make judgments. For example, they may not be able to anticipate potential issues while behind the wheel or make sound choices while driving.
In the end, the message is simple: don’t drink and drive. Nevertheless, there will always be those who think they can still safely drive even if they’ve been drinking. Unfortunately, this also means that drunk driving accidents will occur. If a person in Florida is injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, the drunk driver might be held liable if the victim pursues a lawsuit.
