The Dangers of Impaired Driving

Impaired driving encompasses driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Drunk or drugged drivers can pose severe dangers to everyone on the road. Sadly, impaired driving is one of the top causes of car accidents in the U.S. Learn statistics and the effects of alcohol and drugs on a person’s driving ability.

The Facts About Impaired Driving

Drunk Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that someone is killed in a car accident every 52 minutes — that’s 29 lives lost every day. According to The Texas Department of Transportation, a person in Texas dies every nine hours and six minutes in a DUI-alcohol-related motor vehicle crash. In 2020, 963 people were killed, and 2,114 were severely injured due to a drunk driver.

Drugged Driving

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that in 2018, 12.6 million Americans operated a vehicle while under the influence of marijuana or other illicit drugs. Even taking legally prescribed or over-the-counter medications can pose a risk of being involved in a severe crash due to side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, teens and young adults are highly affected by drugged driving. In 2015, a study reported that 1 in 6 college students had driven under the influence of drugs at least once in the past year. The most commonly used drugs were:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Prescription pain relievers

Older adult drivers are also at risk of drugged driving due to taking prescription medications that can make them drowsy or unintended intoxication when behind the wheel.

The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs on Driving Ability

It’s never a good idea to consume alcohol or take any drug and then get behind the wheel. It could severely impact your judgment, vision, color distinction, and reaction time — all of which are critical abilities needed to operate a motor vehicle safely.

Driving while impaired can also mean driving while fatigued or distracted. Texting, talking, eating, or drinking while driving can also impair your driving ability.

Injured by an Impaired Driver? We Can Help.

If you have suffered injuries caused by an impaired driver, you have the right to hold them accountable for their actions. When careless drivers cause you harm, we’re here to help protect your right to pursue financial compensation for your injuries and medical costs.