About Alcohol Related Accidents

Overview

If you choose to get behind the wheel of any vehicle after having had too much to drink, the results can be devastating. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, or MADD, 12,998 people perished in fatal alcohol-impaired traffic accidents in 2007. The effects can be horrifying for families and everyone involved with the crash.

Accidents

One aspect of driving after drinking is injuries to the driver, passengers or other people in the path of the vehicle. According to MADD, an estimated 1 in every 10 Americans will be involved in some type of alcohol-related crash in their lives. When someone gets behind the wheel with a .08 alcohol level or higher, he is less able to make split-second decisions or evaluate whether he is driving safety. Drunk drivers get on the road in many types of vehicles, including cars, trucks, buses, RVs, semi trucks, tractors, lawn mowers and emergency vehicles. Even people who are drunk and ride a bike can cause an accident in traffic, risking their lives and those of bystanders and travelers.

Signs

When out on the road, look for telltale signs that someone may be driving under the influence of alcohol: weaving in and out of traffic, failing to follow road signs and construction zone directions, driving sporadically--slowing down and speeding up. If the driver appears not to respond to a honk or other signal, such as flashing your lights, assume she could be under the influence. Always remember: Drunk drivers may not be able to make safe decisions that could prevent a traffic accident.

Repercussions

There are several repercussions when a driver has an alcohol-related accident. The biggest one is the accident itself. Some drunk drivers travel at high rates of speed just before they crash, which can cause severe trauma to the bodies of the driver and passengers upon impact. Internal organ damage, broken bones and bleeding are all life-threatening problems that can result from such a crash. The deaths of innocent people, including passengers and strangers who were in the path of the drunk driver, are, of course, the worst outcome of drunk driving. Drunk drivers face fines, loss of their licenses and possible jail sentences. In addition, they could be liable to pay for destruction of property.

Underage Drinking

Underage drinking is a serious problem linked to alcohol-related accidents. Many teens who go to parties may get behind the wheel after they have been drinking. While binge drinking is popular among some teenagers, it is also dangerous for the drinker and severely impairs the ability to make clear decisions. Teens who drink and get behind the wheel risk their lives as well as other people who cross their paths.

Prevention

There are ways to prevent alcohol-related accidents. First, never drink and drive. If you drink, have a designated sober driver who can take you home, or call a cab. Prevention also is up to people who know someone is drinking irresponsibly. Offer that person a ride or help her find one. It could be a life-saving decision.