Accidents involving drugs and alcohol are on the rise in Ohio, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) and, with the legalization of marijuana, it is expected that this problem will likely continue to grow. Accidents involving some form of alcohol or drug-related impairment are often some of the most dangerous and result in severe injuries, disabilities, or even death. If you were injured by a driver who was either high or drunk while behind the wheel, seek legal representation as soon as possible to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Everyone is aware that driving while high or drunk is against the law, but many still underestimate the dangers of engaging in this type of behavior. As such, we feel it is important to explain the dangers of attempting to operate a motor vehicle after smoking or consuming marijuana or drinking.
Driving High
Most Americans believe that driving while under the influence of marijuana is not that dangerous. While it is certainly less dangerous than drinking and driving, the fact is that your judgment will be impaired if you decide to get behind the wheel after smoking a joint or consuming an edible. According to a review of 60 studies in 1995 that was presented at the International Conference on Alcohol, Drugs and Traffic Safety revealed that using marijuana impairs all the cognitive abilities one needs for safe driving, such as tracking, motor coordination, and visual function.
Drunk Driving
Given how much more prevalent it is, the dangers of driving while drunk are more extensively known and documented. Those who have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.10 or greater and choose to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle are seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those who do not drive while intoxicated. If you drive with a BAC of 0.15 or greater, it is twenty-five times more likely you will be involved in a fatal accident. That said, impairment actually begins below a BAC of 0.08. In fact, scientific research has shown that one’s ability to drive safely can become impaired even at the 0.02 BAC level, which is well within the legal limits, but still potentially unsafe. We all might feel fine after one or two drinks, but while it might seem like you are aware enough to have a conversation with your friends, a lot more is required of you to drive safely on the road and to ensure you and others are not at risk for a fatal accident. If you plan on drinking, plan to call a taxi or use a ridesharing app, such as Uber or Lyft. If you are within walking distance of your home and it is safe, walk home. You can even ask a sober friend for a ride. With so many options available, there is no reason why anyone should ever choose to drive home while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Drunk Driving Accident Attorney in Toledo
No one ever expects to be involved in a serious accident. We hear about the dangers of drunk driving on the news, but it is still a traumatic and painful experience to endure it yourself. If you were injured in an accident involving a drunk driver, reach out to the Toledo personal injury attorneys at Williams DeClark Tuschman Co., L.P.A. today. Our attorneys have fought to protect the rights of the injured for more than a century and will do the same for you. Get started on your case today and contact us at (419) 719-5195 to schedule your free initial case evaluation today.