People in Towson may already be aware that drunk driving is dangerous. However, they may underestimate just how significant an effect alcohol has on a person’s body. In fact, even one or two drinks could impair drivers to the point that they could cause a motor vehicle accident.
For example, a person who consumes only one or two drinks may have a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02%. This is well below the legal limit of 0.08%. However, with a BAC of 0.02%, a motorist may find that they have a hard time tracking moving objects, such as other vehicles on the road or pedestrians. A person with a BAC of 0.02% may also find that it is hard for them to divide their attention between two tasks, an ability that is also necessary to drive safely.
If a person has consumed alcohol, it impairs their ability to pay attention to the road. They may swerve between lanes of traffic, they may be unable to respond quickly to moving objects or changes in traffic patterns or they may be unable to judge how fast they are driving. Any of these deficiencies could cause a drunk driver to strike another vehicle.
It is easy to see how drunk driving breaches a motorist’s duty of care to drive reasonably under the circumstances. If this breach causes a crash that injures another person, the drunk driver may be held liable for the collision. Since a mere drink or two could be enough to impair a driver, it is important that motorists do not drive after drinking. Depending on the circumstances, those injured in auto accidents caused by drunk drivers may be able to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. Doing so can provide the victim with the financial resources they need to recover, as well as hold the drunk driver accountable for their actions.
