“Drinking and driving DO NOT go together.”
One person every 52 minutes dies in a car crash due to drunk driving – that’s 28 people each day. In 2019 alone, alcohol-related crashes killed around 10,142 people.
Drunk driving, Impaired driving, or driving under the influence (DUI), whatever you call it – is deadly. When you choose to drive after a few drinks, you do risk not only your own life but also those around you on the road. Serious injuries, property damage, or in the worst-case scenario – fatalities, are the major consequences of impaired driving.
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Being a driver, you would know how complicated driving can be. To avoid the dangers of the road, you need focus, rapid reflexes, and good coordination. And unfortunately, as early as the first sip of alcohol diminishes that.
In this article, we are going to talk about why drunk driving is dangerous and how to avoid the dangers of getting behind the wheel if you have been drinking.
The Dangers of driving drunk
- Reduced coordination and slower reaction times
As stated earlier, good coordination and rapid reflexes are massively important when driving, especially on a highway. When in the middle of the road, you will find yourself in situations where you need to act quickly to avoid any mishap. Driving with alcohol in your system slows down your brain and reduces coordination, so you can’t react to a situation promptly.
- Poor judgment and bad decision-making ability
Maybe the car in front of you made an unexpected turn, or you heard a loud bang of a tire blowout; what you do next can make or break it for you and your vehicle. However, if you are drunk and, on the road, you might get into serious trouble. This is because alcohol is reported to cloud judgment and critical thinking, ultimately impacting your motor skills. An intoxicated driver is prone to make bad decisions as a result of loss of judgment. Moreover, driving under the influence also causes more distractions that can again lead to serious car accidents.
- Impaired vision
Undoubtedly, being able to see clearly on the road is critically important – to spot any obstacles along your way or to judge the distance between you and other vehicles. Excessive drinking can, in fact, cause problems with your vision. Sometimes it only blurs your vision; however, sometimes, you may even lose partial control over your eye movement. Meaning, the more you drink, the more severe effects on your vision.
- Increased tendency to take risks
With drunk driving comes a false sense of confidence. While a bit of confidence on the road will help you drive safely and smartly, any extra amount of confidence can be harmful. And drinking alcohol does just that. After only a few drinks, you may find yourself with a sharp sense of confidence and an increased tendency to take risks.
The consequences of drunk driving
Drinking and driving is a criminal act. Even if you “get away with it,” making it home safely, there are consequences, both mental and physical, to live with. Below are some of the common punishments for anyone found drunk driving.
- Driver’s license revocation
- Fees and fines
- Mandatory jail time
- Ignition interlock device restrictions
- Vehicle impoundment
- Vehicle license plate arrogation
- Sobriety monitor
- Mandatory clinical evaluation and treatment programs
Tips to avoid driving when drunk
“Safe drink driving” – there is no such thing. No matter how well you can handle alcohol, driving after having something to drink can result in an increased risk of car crashes. And while not driving drunk is the best way to protect yourself and others around you, some other alternatives could help you. Follow these tips to avoid driving when intoxicated.
- Have a non-drinking designated driver every time you go out
If you are lucky to have that one friend in your group who joins the party only for a fun night and not to drink, you might not have to worry about how you are going home. But, if you are not, do not take a chance and hire a non-drinking driver who will get you home safely after a fun night.
- If you are drunk, call a taxi or electric cab
Good thing taxis and electric cabs are still a thing. When you decide to have cocktails for the night, one of the most effortless alternatives is to get a cab. Available round the clock, taxis can get you home safely. In case you don’t have your wallet or enough cash, a drop to a family or friend’s place is a good idea.
- Use a car-sharing service
When you and your friends drink the night, do yourself a favor and do not drive home. Instead, call a car-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. These services are cheaper than a cab and also lets you split the fare between friends.
- Call a friend or family member
You can never be old enough not to need your family. In emergencies, family and friends are the only people you can trust to get instant help. When planning your night out, it is best to ask them to pick you up at a set time or call a friend who won’t mind helping you at 2 in the morning.
- Hire a tow service
Hiring a towing service Detroit can be helpful when all other alternatives to drunk driving fail. Fortunately, you can take advantage of the cheap towing companies in Detroit and request a tow truck to pick you up from somewhere and tow your vehicle home. For this reason, it is wise to keep a towing company’s number saved in your phone, so you don’t have to search for one after having a few drinks.
Wrapping up
All in all, drunk driving should be avoided at all costs. For your safety and other drivers on the road, drive responsibly and report drivers you suspect are intoxicated. Calling a taxi, family member, or friend is your option if you go out with no plans to get drunk but eventually do. However, if you are worried about your vehicle, contact SPN America Towing Network for a tow. To save your time, make sure to communicate all the correct and necessary information so our team can get to your location within no time.