The consequences of drunk driving

Drunk driving crashes kill more than 10,000 people every year in Florida and across the U.S. Alcohol is known to negatively affect the central nervous system, and even a small amount of it can cause drivers to have divided attention or impaired judgment-making abilities. If they drive with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or greater, they are legally drunk and are breaking the law.

When drivers are legally drunk, they will experience poor muscle coordination, a loss of self-control, slowed thinking and lapses in memory. All of this makes them unfit, obviously, for the road. If they are pulled over, they could face either a misdemeanor or felony offense, and the penalties can range from license suspension to fines and jail time. Florida requires that those convicted of DUI install, at their own expense, an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device measures a driver’s BAC before he or she is able to start the car.

Drivers will thus want to take steps that will prevent them from getting behind the wheel drunk. Have a sober driver to rely on after a party, for example, or call a taxi or ridesharing vehicle. Take the keys away from a drunk friend and call the police when a drunk driver is sighted on the road.

When there are car accidents and one of the drivers was drunk, those on the other side who incurred any physical injuries may be able to file a claim. A personal injury claim, if successful, can cover medical expenses, the cost to repair or replace a vehicle, lost wages and more. However, it may be good to hire a lawyer before moving forward since lawyers can better foresee any opposition from the insurance company. Lawyers might handle negotiations or litigation.