How Does Alcohol Affect Driving?

Drunk driving has been tied to thousands of car accidents and fatalities over the past several decades, but many people do not know why. We already know that alcohol impairs driving. However, not everyone realizes the exact ways alcohol makes driving difficult and risky. Understanding the different ways alcohol affects driving behaviors can help you explain this when a friend or loved one says they can drive while intoxicated. Knowing what to do after a drunk driving accident is also important for obtaining compensation. Talk to a Delaware accident attorney to find out what steps you can take.
EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ON DRIVING
Alcohol affects the body and mind in several ways. The effects of alcohol on driving can help you gain a better understanding of why alcohol causes car accidents. There are plenty of general effects alcohol induces on driving, but it is often easier to break these down. These effects can be broken down by Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) levels.
At a BAC level of 0.02%, drivers will usually find themselves feeling relaxed with slightly impaired visual functions. Studies have also shown that drivers at this level are unable to multi-task. Since driving simultaneously involves steering, braking, looking at other cars or road signs, and other behaviors, the ability to multi-task is a key component of safe driving.
With a BAC level of 0.05%, drivers will track objects with their eyes slower and will have poor coordination. This negatively affects steering the car accurately and makes last-minute driving maneuvers close to impossible when road conditions unexpectedly change. Once the legal BAC limit of 0.08% is reached, drivers will encounter memory gaps, problems with their ability to perceive other cars on the road, and decreased concentration that can leave their mind wandering off-task.
The 0.10% BAC level makes drivers veer into the wrong lanes and prevents them from braking on time.
WHAT IF A DRUNK DRIVER CAUSED THE ACCIDENT?
When a drunk driver caused your car accident, you may be able to receive significant compensation. Since Delaware is a no-fault state, you should be able to receive compensation from your auto insurance company regardless of who was at fault. However, insurance companies may work against you by trying to delay or deny your claim for insufficient reasons.
The legal alcohol limit is 0.08% BAC. If the other driver was found with this BAC level or higher, then you could be eligible for additional compensation depending on how severe your damages were. If the driver was negligently sold alcohol by a shop owner, then dram shop laws may be able to help you receive more compensation from the alcohol seller.
ACCIDENT ATTORNEY IN DELAWARE
Figuring out what to do after a drunk driving accident in Delaware is not always easy. Depending on what happened, you may be able to receive compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Working with a Delaware personal injury lawyer can help you collect evidence and organize your accident claim for a strong defense. Call Edelstein Martin & Nelson at (302) 295-5050 for a free consultation today. Our car accident lawyers can be found in Wilmington, Delaware.