Why does the law make such a big deal about drunk driving?

Almost everyone knows that drinking alcohol and then driving is illegal. The reason for this is that drunk drivers put everyone on the road with them at risk of being involved in an accident that can be fatal or lead to severe injuries.

There are several different impacts that alcohol has on your body. Understanding these might help you to realize just how dangerous it is to drink and drive.

What effects does alcohol have on driving abilities?

Alcohol can slow your reaction time, which means that you won’t be able to avoid accidents or hazards in a safe manner. It also affects your ability to pay attention to more than one thing at a time. This makes it hard to steer the vehicle, watch the roadway around you and pay attention to what others on the road are doing.

What should I do if I’m pulled over for drunk driving?

If you are pulled over for drunk driving, you need to pay close attention to what is going on. Typically, the officer who pulls you over will do so because of something he or she observed, such as you swerving or driving in an unsafe manner. This is known as reasonable suspicion. Upon making their way to the vehicle, they notice a smell of alcohol. They might ask you to take a breath test or do a field sobriety test. These can give them information about your sobriety, or lack thereof.

Remember that you are the person who has to live with the consequences of a drunk driving charge. This should be the factor that helps keep you motivated to work on your defense with an experienced attorney.

Source: Quitalcohol.com, “The Dangers of Drinking and Driving,” accessed Aug. 17, 2017