Why One Drink is One Too Many While Driving

The occurrence of drunk driving isn’t anything new, but what may come as a shock is that even after decades worth of informational campaigns and efforts to educate people on the hazards of drunk driving, and the tightening of laws, it’s still happening. When it comes to drinking and driving, it comes down to one simple concept: even one drink is too many when driving.

Let’s take a look at the dangers that even one drink can pose to drivers, passengers, others on the road, and even pedestrians.

Any Consumption of Alcohol Starts to Have an Effect

A big mistake that drivers can make when it comes to drinking is assuming that one drink is no big deal. Many people won’t even feel a buzz or any effects after one drink, but the fact is that alcohol has now entered the bloodstream, and some changes occur.

Not only that, but it can take a while for the effects to take hold in the bloodstream. That means if a person has just one drink, and leaves within 15-30 mins after finishing it, the alcohol hasn’t yet been processed. Instead, that could happen while they are behind the wheel driving, which could have serious and even deadly consequences.

Not All Drinks Are the Same in Terms of Alcohol Content

Then there is the fact that one drink could mean something different to each person. The alcohol content varies depending on the type of drink and the size of the drink, so its effects can also be altered. Using a general rule of just one drink is a broad and dangerous term.

Alcohol Will Impact Reaction Time

And again, even if a person doesn’t feel drunk, even one drink begins to affect their reaction time. This means the driver may not be able to act fast enough in an emergency. Imagine too what the damage could be if that driver was behind the wheel of a large vehicle such as a truck.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident with a Suspected Drunk Driver

Just because you are a cautious driver who believes that even one drink is too many, doesn’t mean everyone else shares in your feelings. That means you’re at risk of being involved in an accident with a drunk driver. Knowing how to respond is imperative.

The first thing to do is ensure your medical needs are taken care of. Call 911, seek emergency medical attention, and do your best to document the accident. This means taking photos of the accident scene, the vehicles, any visible injuries you have sustained and even pictures of witness vehicles. Why is this information important? Those are the details we at Mama Justice MW Law Firm will ask for should you hire us to represent you.

We work to ensure you’re fairly compensated for any personal injuries sustained thanks to the negligent actions of a drunk driver. If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Come and visit us at one of our many locations: