Drunk driving is one of the most dangerous driving habits that anyone can engage in, with approximately one in three accidents involving at least one intoxicated driver. When people choose to drive drunk, it not only endangers their lives, but the lives of everyone unfortunate enough to be around them. Here are five issues that make drunk driving so dangerous:

  1. Impaired judgment
    • One of the most common issues that leads to drunk driving accidents is the fact that drunk people suffer from impaired judgment. In other words, they tend to make worse decisions than they would if they were sober. This includes things like deciding when to brake or accelerate, or when it is safe to move through an intersection, which can make accidents more likely.
  2. Loss of alertness
    • Drunk drivers tend to be far less alert than they normally are when they are sober, which can be exceedingly dangerous. This makes them far less aware of their surroundings, including where vehicles are in relation to them and how much time they have to brake or maneuver. This can lead to them being caught by surprise by things they might otherwise have noticed, increasing the risks of a severe accident.
  3. Reduced reaction time
    • Even when drunk drivers notice a potential problem, their intoxicated state leaves them with much worse reaction times. This is because alcohol impairs their ability to quickly react to things happening around them, including vehicles stopping in front of them or pedestrians running into the road. This can mean they start or stop far too late to avoid colliding with pedestrians or other vehicles in their way. 
  4. Worse motor control
    • Drunk driving is also considered extremely dangerous due to how alcohol affects a person’s motor control. The more intoxicated they are, the less able they are to control their own body, which can lead to things like suddenly stopping or starting, swerving between lanes, or other dangerous habits. This also makes it much harder for them to avoid an accident if they should encounter any hazards in the road.
  5. Loss of self-control
    • Finally, when people drive drunk, they tend to have very little self-control. This is because alcohol reduces people’s inhibitions, making it much easier for them to give into things like road rage. This, in turn, can lead them to engage in even riskier behaviors that can increase the chances of a major accident.

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.