The Dangers of Driving Drunk
One of the most common causes of road accidents around the world is people driving under the influence of substances. Unfortunately, while many countries, like Australia, have implemented strict laws around driving under the influence, people do it regardless of the dangers and consequences. However, there’s always hope that by educating people about the dangers of driving under the influence, there will be a change. So, here are some of the dangers of drinking and driving.
How alcohol affects you while driving
Alcohol has many different effects on your body. Alcohol inhibits your ability to pay attention and even coordinate your movements, and this is what puts you at the most risk while you drive on the roads. When you drink, your perception is affected and reduced, impeding the signals between nerves and significantly hindering cognitive function. Here’s what to expect if you drive under the influence:
- Your ability to make sound judgements is altered—you’re no longer able to think clearly, your problem-solving skills weaken, and you’re more likely to make riskier decisions
- Due to your concentration being reduced under the influence, the chances of not noticing an oncoming car or pedestrian increase
- Alcohol also inhibits your coordination skills. Coordination refers to the ability to use multiple body parts simultaneously to perform different tasks
- You may also experience impaired vision as a result of drinking. When you drink, your vision may become blurred, or your visual reaction time may be reduced. You may also struggle to see with your peripheral vision
The risks of driving drunk
As you can imagine, the risks of drunk driving are quite significant. Here are some of the risks you can expect from driving drunk:
- Being under the influence increases your risk of causing an accident or being involved in one
- There may also be a financial impact on you. Being in an accident while under the influence may void your insurance, leaving you with a damaged car and substantial legal bills to pay out of pocket
- Depending on the severity of your accident, you may be left disabled due to loss of limbs or damage to certain parts of your body
- Loss of life is a possibility, and you may risk the lives of others on the road and those of the passengers in your vehicle
The consequences of drinking and driving
Think the risks of drinking and driving are bad? You need to consider the consequences of being caught drinking and driving in Australia, too. For those who are found guilty of driving under the influence, you may be charged with a DUI, resulting in a fine of a few hundred to thousand dollars. If your alcohol level is very high, the fine might be even higher.
Regardless of the alcohol level in your system, you’ll still be taken to the police station and processed, where you’ll be given a court date to attend court. The DUI will go on your record if you’re charged with a traffic violation or criminal offence. For a repeat offender, your charge might lead to jail time and the confiscation of your licence.
With a criminal record, you may struggle to get a job, or you may even lose your current job. If your employment is reliant on your ability to drive, you may no longer be eligible for that job because your license is being revoked. The moral of the story is don’t drink and drive right.
When to hire a drunk driving lawyer
The best thing you can do when pulled over by the police for a DUI is to cooperate with them fully. However, make sure that you keep a record of the proceedings and hire a good lawyer as soon as you’re able to. While a DUI lawyer might not get your charges dropped if your test results are high, they may be able to lighten the consequences to something less severe. For those in need of a DUI lawyer, get in touch with Drink Driving Lawyer in Brisbane here.
Final Thoughts
When you drink and drive, you’re putting your life, the lives of everyone else in the car, and others on the road in danger. Drinking might feel good in the moment, but it radically diminishes your senses and limits your ability to react promptly while driving. Next time you go out for a fun time with your mates, remember the dangers of driving under the influence and rather make a plan to avoid it.
