Even if somebody is typically an excellent driver, drinking alcohol can have a significant effect on their driving skills. Drivers need to use their eyes, feet, and hands to control their vehicle, all of which are controlled by their brain – which is negatively impacted when drunk. Drinking alcohol can have a negative effect on a wide range of skills that are necessary when driving a car or other vehicle. Along with being illegal, drunk driving comes with a range of serious consequences.
Impact on Driving Skills:
Being under the influence of alcohol when behind the wheel can impair a range of skills that you use when you drive. For example, it can slow down your reaction time and reflexes, leaving you vulnerable to hitting obstacles in the road or crashing into other vehicles. Drinking alcohol can also impact your vision and slow down the functioning of your eye muscles, resulting in blurred vision that can make it difficult to see the road in front of you when driving. Being under the influence of alcohol can also make it more difficult for you to judge where your car is positions on the road and the location of other vehicles in relation to you. It can also hinder your ability to make rational decisions and impact your coordination skills, all of which put drunk drivers at a much higher risk of being involved in an accident.Driving under influence is also one of the leading causes of reckless driving. And, notably, there are serious consequences of reckless driving in all states across the US. Besides, it also impairs the cognitive skills of the driver.
Dangers:
It is common knowledge that driving drunk poses a huge danger of being involved in an accident that may not only harm the driver but also other road users. Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol have a much greater percentage of risk of being involved in a road traffic accident due to the above-mentioned impacts of alcohol on the brain and therefore on the skills that you need to use when driving.
Legal Impacts:
Even if you’re lucky enough to avoid being in a collision, if you are caught driving while under the influence of alcohol, there are some serious legal consequences. Cline Jenson has more information on DWI laws and how being caught driving while intoxicated can impact your life. Depending on the severity of the case, you may be banned from driving as a result and the DWI might hinder your ability to get certain jobs or enter some countries since it will show up on a background check.
What to Do:
Whether you’re out for a meal with friends and have a few beers or are enjoying a glass of wine at home, the safest option is to avoid driving altogether. If in doubt, leave your car keys and hail a taxi, get a lift from a sober person, or take public transport. If you know that you are going to be drinking, it is a wise idea to make transport arrangements beforehand that does not require you to drive. Remember that even if you don’t feel drunk, you may still be over the legal limit so it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Aside from being against the law, there are some very sinister potential consequences of driving drunk. Always drive sober and with a clear mind.
