Drunk driving has always been a problem in the United States, and it is also one in Kentucky. Drinking is a way of life in much of the state, especially with so many breweries, wineries and other places to get alcohol. With the Bourbon Trail, there is also the ability for people to spend whole afternoons drinking, though the hope is that they won’t drive afterward.
Some people feel that if they drive when they’re buzzed, it’s not the same as driving drunk. In the eyes of the law, this isn’t true—and this kind of thinking can lead to serious crashes, injuries and death. At just .02%, a person’s blood alcohol concentration is high enough to cause a decline in their visual functions. They may also find it harder to complete two tasks at once, which is a significant problem considering that driving requires you to multitask.
Don’t be lulled into a cavalier attitude by low blood alcohol concentration
At .05%, when many people feel “buzzed,” you could see that you’ll have difficulty steering or have slower response times in emergencies. You may struggle to track moving objects well, and your coordination may be reduced, too.
While .08% is the legal limit, anyone can be arrested below that limit if they are driving in an impaired manner. If they are reckless or seem to be struggling to drive well, then an officer has every right to pull them over and to ask them to take a Breathalyzer test. If they fail it, or if they pass but fail field sobriety tests, then they could be arrested.
In 2018, a person was killed in a drunk driving crash once every 50 minutes. That’s why it’s important for everyone to have a plan on how to get home after drinking. Choosing a designated driver or calling a taxi is the simplest way to avoid crashes or to end up facing an arrest.
Victims of drunk drivers have no choice but to live with the consequences of another person’s decisions. It is unfair for them, so it is essential that the driver is held responsible for the pain that they’ve caused others as well as the financial consequences from any collision caused.