DUI Accidents in Maryland: Alcohol’s Effects on Driver Capabilities

Drunk driving is illegal in every US state, but the potential for serious punishment does not always deter motorists from breaking the law. Statistics from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MD DOT) reveal the risks, as there are almost 6,700 total DUI accidents in the state every year. Around 165 people are killed, and more than 3,100 individuals suffer injuries in these crashes. The physical, emotional, and financial losses for victims and their families are considerable.

It is easy to point to speeding, swerving, and reckless driving as reasons behind DUI collisions, but the underlying cause is the effects of alcohol. Though the legal limit in Maryland is .08 percent blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the impacts of impairment can be felt after just one drink. You should reach out to an Owings Mills drunk driving accident lawyer about your legal remedies if you or a loved one was affected by a DUI crash. Plus, understanding what alcohol does to a motorist’s capabilities helps you realize how these crashes are so devastating.

The Human Body at Different BAC Levels: The effects of alcohol are both physical and mental, and they become more pronounced as a motorist consumes more booze.

• At BAC .02 percent, a person experiences a slight loss of judgment and relaxed mood. The relaxed feeling often prevents a driver from taking quick reactions when they are needed.
• A motorist with a BAC of .05 percent will have reduced alertness, so there are challenges with detecting a threat in time to avoid a collision. Judgment continues to slide, leading some drivers to take risks they normally would not.
• The legal limit for DUI is set at .08 percent BAC because a motorist suffers from reduced muscle coordination. The ability to detect threats continues to fall, but a driver may not be able to respond.
• At a BAC of .15 percent, a motorist might lose balance, stumble, and fall when attempting to walk. The same problems carry over to driving.

What to do After a DUI Accident: You have legal remedies to recover compensation after being hurt in a drunk driving crash, so you can support your claim by taking action. Your first step should be addressing injuries and getting proper medical care, either at the ER or an urgent care center. In addition:

• Exchange contact and insurance information with other motorists, which is required by law in a traffic collision.
• Pay very close attention to a driver’s sloppy gestures, slurred speech, and other indications of impairment if you suspect that he or she was drunk.
• Take pictures at the scene.
• Do not offer statements or answer questions if you are contacted by the drunk driver’s insurance company. 

Set Up a Consultation with a Maryland Drunk Driving Accident Attorney

If you can handle a few of these tasks after a DUI crash, you can count on Furman | Honick Law to deal with the legal requirements. To learn more, please call 410-844-6000 or go online to schedule a free case review at our offices in Owings Mills or Baltimore.

Source:

mva.maryland.gov/safety/Documents/2019-Benchmark-Reports/DrAlcDrgsBR-19Aug10-2020.pdf