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The effects of alcohol on traffic accidents

On Behalf of | Sep 6, 2019 | car accidents |

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 30 traffic fatalities every day are caused by drunk driving in Minnesota and throughout the country. Alcohol intoxication causes serious accidents for a variety of reasons, including reduced judgment, loss of motor control, impaired thinking and other negative effects on the mind and body. While the legal limit for driving is a BAC of .08, even smaller amounts of intoxication can cause problems.

Car crashes involving drunk drivers are a particularly big problem for young people. In 2017, 42% of drunk driving-related fatalities were caused by drivers between the ages of 18 and 24. Incidents of intoxicated driving go down as drivers age, which is partly why all states have adopted a drinking age of 21. Men are also more likely to get behind the wheel drunk than women.

In order to reduce the chance of getting behind the wheel while intoxicated, drivers and other parties can follow a few responsible practices. Before going out to drink, people should plan a safe way to get home. Hosts serving alcohol should do their best to prevent intoxicated guests from driving their cars. When someone sees an impaired driver on the road, they should report the vehicle to the police.

Victims of car accidents involving drunk drivers may be able to get compensation from the responsible person. This compensation could help pay for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. An attorney may help their clients decide if pursuing a lawsuit is in their best interests. Many lawyers who practice in this area of the law will not charge a fee unless they are successfully able to get compensation for the client.

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