Any amount of alcohol in a person’s bloodstream can affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle safely. For this reason, strict laws exist to punish the behavior. However, some people continue to drink and drive despite knowing about or experiencing fines, penalties, and jail time. However, court-ordered alcohol addiction rehab has significantly reduced DUI incidents in recent years.
At Sierra Sage Recovery, we recognize the dangers of alcohol addiction and encourage anyone with alcohol use disorder to contact us at 833.922.2884 right away for comprehensive alcohol addiction treatment.
How Does Alcohol Affect a Person’s Driving Skills?
Alcohol is a depressant that works on the central nervous system. It slows down brain activity and causes impaired cognitive functioning, and it doesn’t take large amounts of alcohol to produce this effect. That is why anyone who has consumed any intoxicating beverages should not drive.
Here are some of the effects of alcohol per blood alcohol concentration:
- BAC of 0.02: The person will seem relaxed and unable to multitask. They may display mood swings, lack of judgment, and decreased visual functionality.
- BAC of 0.05: This individual will have poor coordination, low or no alertness, poor judgment, exaggerated behavior, and lowered inhibitions.
- BAC of 0.08: A person in this stage of intoxication lacks self-control and reasoning. Short-term memory is reduced, and the person can’t concentrate or process information properly.
- BAC of 0.10: Someone with a BAC of .10 will have extremely poor coordination and slow reaction time. They’ll be unable to control the vehicle or keep it within the proper lane.
- BAC of 0.15: Someone with this level of intoxication has no sense of balance or muscle control. They also have impaired vision and can’t concentrate or safely operate a vehicle.
Drinking and driving laws vary by state, but most states impose fines, jail time, and license revocation. A DUI charge is possible if a person gets caught driving with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. In some states, the individual may be ordered to attend an alcohol addiction rehab as part of their sentence.
Consequences of Drinking and Driving
Of course, the most significant danger of impaired driving is fatal accidents. The National Security Council estimates that more than 21,000 people died in the first six months of 2021 due to drinking and driving.
Here are a few more relevant statistics from MADD.org:
- Only 3,200 of 300,000 drunk drivers are arrested
- More than 1.1 million drivers are arrested for DUI yearly
- 50% to 75% of convicted drunk drivers continue to drive illegally
- About 28.7 million people admit driving under the influence
- 57% of fatally injured drivers had drugs or alcohol in their system
Sadly, the rate of drinking and driving is higher among people 26-29 years old than other age groups. Each day, 29 people are victims of fatal accidents attributed to drunk driving. To look at it another way, one person every 50 minutes dies due to drinking and driving.
Seek Alcohol Addiction Rehab at Sierra Sage Recovery
Alcohol addiction can destroy every aspect of a person’s life. It may also result in death due to alcohol’s damaging health effects or drinking and driving. No one should suffer these devastating consequences of alcohol addiction when help is readily available.
With our comprehensive alcohol treatment program, anyone can overcome alcohol use disorder and enjoy a sober, healthy life. Whether your alcohol use disorder is mild, moderate, or severe, we will customize a treatment plan around each client’s specific needs.
If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol misuse or addiction, contact Sierra Sage at 833.922.2884 today. One of our representatives will be available to talk to you about our alcohol addiction rehab programs.
