Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, more commonly known as DUI, is one of the most dangerous things people can do on the road. Drunk and intoxicated drivers are estimated to be responsible for as much as a third of all motor vehicle accidents, and are disproportionately likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Here are seven ways that DUIs cause accidents:

  1. Intoxicated drivers have a poor reaction time
    • When someone is driving under the influence, they have significantly reduced reaction time compared to when they are sober. This means that someone who is committing DUI will have a much harder time reacting to things happening around them, such as the movement of other vehicles or pedestrians.
  2. Intoxicated drivers have impaired vision
    • People who commit a DUI also tend to have blurry or otherwise impaired vision as a result of their intoxication. This means they are less likely to notice things like street signs, stop lights, or other vehicles on the road, increasing the risk of an accident.
  3. Intoxicated drivers are less likely to notice hazards
    • When someone is committing a DUI, they also tend to be more oblivious to potential road hazards. This may include things like potholes, work sites, or other vehicles pulled off to the side of the road. This makes it more likely they will collide into these hazards, damaging their car and potentially causing an accident.
  4. Intoxicated drivers exercise poor judgment
    • People who drive under the influence are also noted for having incredibly poor judgment. They may struggle to make the kinds of split-second decisions needed to avoid accidents, or may make actively bad choices, increasing the risk of an accident.
  5. Intoxicated drivers have less control over their vehicle
    • When someone is committing a DUI, they tend to struggle with muscle control, making it harder for them to steer their vehicle. This can lead to swerving, drifting between lanes, or sudden starts and stops, which can make the risk of a collision much more likely.
  6. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to speed
    • When someone is intoxicated, they often do not know exactly how fast they are driving. This is why many accidents involving DUIs also tend to involve speeding, as intoxicated drivers simply do not realize they are speeding until they hit someone or something.
  7. Intoxicated drivers are more likely to drive aggressively
    • Finally, people under the influence of alcohol or drugs are more likely to drive in an aggressive manner due to a lack of self-control. They may tailgate other drivers, cut them off, or even try to intentionally cause an accident, simply due to their inability to manage their anger.

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.