What Compels Drunk Drivers?

The choice to drive drunk is always an unfortunate one. This is especially true if an accident occurs, because the ramifications can be far reaching, affecting the drunk driver, the victims, and the families and loved ones of both parties. 

So, why do people choose to drive drunk?   

Some Drunk Drivers Don’t Know How Impaired They Are

It’s easy to have a few drinks out socially with friends and “feel fine.” But drinking and driving is still drinking and driving, regardless of how drunk one feels. Someone may choose to drive because they don’t think they’re drunk, but may be more impaired than they realize. 

Some Drunk Drivers Know They Are Too Drunk to Drive

On the other hand, some people get behind the wheel knowing full well that they’re too impaired to drive. These drunk drivers are the most concerning, because they make an intentional decision knowing it could endanger others and themselves.

Whether a drunk driver doesn’t realize how impaired he or she is, or does realize it and drives anyway, the risk for causing an accident increases and puts many people’s lives at risk. 

What’s Legal Impairment?

In the state of Florida, anyone with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% is considered legally impaired. The amount of alcohol it takes someone to get to this BAC will vary, as it’s based upon the weight of the person drinking. In addition to weight, many other factors will affect someone’s BAC, such as metabolism, tolerance to alcohol, genetics, underlying medical conditions, and more. 

That said, it’s impossible for anyone to gauge their own BAC. This is why it’s best to always avoid drinking and driving, period. 

If you or a loved one are the victim of a drunk driving accident, contact The Goldstein Law Firm to schedule a consultation and discuss how we can help you.