Parades, street parties, green clothing, and lots of beer are the hallmark signs of St. Patrick’s Day. Unfortunately, where there are parties, there are often drunk drivers too. Education and awareness campaigns have reduced drunk driving accidents by a third over the last decade, yet 10,000 Americans die in drunk driving accidents each year.

What is the Problem with Driving Drunk?

When someone drives under the influence of alcohol (or marijuana), the driver’s reflexes are significantly slower than normal. This can affect the reaction time between seeing or perceiving an obstacle – such as a stop sign, a traffic light, another vehicle, or a pedestrian – and the appropriate response. In addition, alcohol can affect driving in these ways:

• Compromised ability to track a moving object
• Poor muscle coordination
• Impaired perception
• Memory loss
• Blurred or distorted vision

A study of young drunk drivers found that a 10% increase in blood alcohol level resulted in a 2% increase in reaction time. A drunk driver presents a grave danger on the road because their ability to navigate well and follow traffic rules is impaired. If you see someone driving erratically, weaving, or changing lanes unpredictably, it is best to get out of the way and call the police.

Common Drunk Driving Accident Injuries

When a drunk driver causes a car accident, the impaired driver often emerges unhurt. Not so for drivers and passengers in the cars that have been hit. In addition to the 30 or more people who die in drunk driving accidents every day, many people suffer from serious head injuries, neck and spinal cord injuries, broken arms, legs, and ribs. These injuries can cause severe pain and take weeks, months, or years to recover from.

What to do if you are in a Car Accident

If you are involved in a car accident, there are steps you should take immediately. If you are able to, call the police. If you are alone, call a friend to come and help you. If you are injured, call 911 for an ambulance. If you are able, take as many pictures of the scene of the accident as you can, including the license plate of the car that hit you and any road signs or landscape features you see. Allow the medical personnel to examine you and go to the hospital if that is their recommendation. Make sure you ask for copies of any record of your treatment and request a copy of the police report as well. Finally, call a car accident attorney.

Call a Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by a drunk driver, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Jahrmarkt & Associates, we believe that negligent and reckless drivers should be held responsible for their actions. As the victim, you have a right to file a claim against the driver who hurt you. You could receive money to pay your medical bills, lost wages, and for pain and suffering. Contact us today for your free consultation.