The legal limit for intoxicated driving is 0.08 percent in Tennessee. However, many people wonder if this magic number accurately depicts whether or not a driver is too impaired to drive. Is there a threshold where one suddenly becomes unable to drive from drinking too much alcohol?
Studies show that any amount of alcohol in the blood can lead to deadly car accidents, a fact known by a Tennessee car accident lawyer. People who are simply buzzed may display impaired behaviors which can pose a threat to other motorists on the road.
The research
A study published in the journal Injury Prevention took a close look at whether a driver exhibited dangerous driving behaviors with a minimal blood alcohol content level. After evaluating statistics pulled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, researchers found that there was no sudden line of intoxication.
The study found that even minimally buzzed drivers, even though they were not considered legally intoxicated, were 46 percent more likely to be blamed for a car accident than someone who was sober. Researchers ended the study encouraging federal officials to lower the legal limit to 0.05 percent, which is currently the legal limit in many European countries.
How does blood alcohol content affect one’s ability to drive?
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each person’s blood alcohol content is unique based upon their physiological ability to handle alcohol. This may depend on a person’s gender, weight, history of drinking as well as how fast he or she drinks. Generally speaking, the BAC level can have the following effects on a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle:
- A BAC of 0.02 percent, which is considered slightly buzzed, can decrease a driver’s ability to track moving objects. It can also decrease his or her ability to engage in two tasks at the same time, such as maintaining a conversation and responding to driving hazards.
- A BAC of 0.05 percent may affect a driver’s coordination and ability to steer the vehicle. A Tennessee car accident lawyer notes that drivers may have difficulties focusing their eyes. In addition to poor coordination, drivers may experience impaired judgment and alertness. They might also take unnecessary risks and show a decreased inhibition.
- A BAC of 0.08 percent causes short-term memory loss, concentration issues and a reduced ability to process information. Drivers may have trouble controlling their speed, detecting traffic signals and yielding to pedestrian crosswalks.
- A BAC of 0.10 percent results in slurred speech and slowed thinking. The driver may be unable to stay in his or her lane, brake properly or maintain the right speed.
People who have had alcohol should refrain from getting behind the wheel of a car in order to play it safe. Those who do choose to drive while buzzed or intoxicated are at risk for causing a devastating car accident, which may seriously injure or kill another person. People who are found responsible for initiating a fatal car accident may be held liable for their negligent actions. A Tennessee car accident lawyer may help victims claim compensation for any injuries or damage stemming from a drunk driving collision.