Everyone knows that drunk driving is unsafe driving. In fact, alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of fatal car accidents nationwide. However, alcohol affects everyone differently, and many people assume they’re still safe to drive after a drink or two.
But is it a good idea to get behind the wheel after consuming a single alcoholic beverage? Here’s what you need to know about the effects of even moderate drinking before driving.
How Alcohol Impacts Driving Skills and Reaction Time
Alcohol consumption significantly affects driving skills and reaction times, and even a small amount can impair a driver’s ability to focus, judge distances, and respond quickly to unexpected situations.
Alcohol slows down the central nervous system, delaying the transfer of signals and reducing coordination, which are crucial for safe driving. It also impacts decision-making, increasing the likelihood of risky behaviors such as speeding or failing to yield.
Just a drink or two leads to a decline in visual acuity, the inability to multitask effectively, and a loss of judgment, according to a whitepaper released by the University of Michigan.
Legal Penalties for DUI Offenses in St. Louis
Driving a vehicle while too intoxicated to do so safely is a crime in Missouri. An individual is assumed to be unsafe to drive if they have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or more.
Missouri punishes DUI offenses with both criminal and administrative penalties. Even a first-time charge of driving while intoxicated is a class B misdemeanor, conviction of which can result in:
- A fine of up to $500
- A jail term of up to six months
- A license suspension of 90 days
The penalties increase substantially for repeat offenders and those who cause accidents while under the influence of alcohol.
Liability for Crashes Caused by Impaired Drivers
In addition to and separate from criminal penalties for driving under the influence, a drunk driver may be held civilly liable for any injuries they cause as a result of their intoxication. In other words, accident victims may sue a drunk driver to recover compensation for the harm they suffered because of the drunk driver’s actions.
Civil liability for a car accident caused by drunk driving is a separate matter from any penalties in the criminal law system. That means an impaired driver could still be held liable for losses in a car crash even if drunk driving charges are dropped, result in an acquittal, or are never filed.
A successful personal injury claim against a drunk driver who caused a crash could provide money for:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Diminished earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced quality of life
- Damaged property
Our Lawyers Help People Hurt by Drunk Drivers
Have you been injured in an accident caused by a drunk driver in St. Louis? If so, Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC can help you hold the irresponsible person accountable for their actions and demand that they compensate you fairly. We can also determine whether other parties bear liability under Missouri’s dram shop laws or if you may be entitled to punitive damages as well.
Contact us today for a free consultation with a drunk driving accident attorney in Missouri.
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