As a responsible driver, you obey traffic laws, adjust your driving for inclement weather, and behave courteously to other motorists. You also avoid drinking and driving because you know how dangerous it is.
Unfortunately, too many other drivers do not take these crucial steps. This leads to serious drunk driving accidents, which cause major injuries or even loss of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explain how even a minimal amount of alcohol can have a huge impact on a person’s ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Two drinks
Two drinks does not seem like it will have much of an impact on a person’s driving. However, many people experience impaired visual ability, lack of judgment, and problems performing more than one action at once after drinking just two alcoholic beverages.
Three drinks
After three drinks, motorists will experience diminished alertness, which prevents them from noticing road hazards. They may have trouble steering effectively due to diminished coordination. Focusing on objects is also impacted at this point.
Four drinks
By four drinks, the legal limit of .08% BAC is usually breached. Concentration and memory are affected, as is the ability to effectively process information. Speeding is more likely, which can lead to serious accidents and injuries.
Five drinks
Thinking is significantly impacted after five drinks. A person will slur their speech and exhibit poor coordination. They will also have trouble braking in time, which increases the risk of rear-end accidents.
If you see a driver exhibiting the above signs of inebriation, the best thing you can do is keep your distance. Take down identifying characteristics of the vehicle, such as make, model, color, and license plate, if it is possible to do so safely. Pull over and contact law enforcement to provide any information you have. Never attempt to stop a driver yourself or put yourself in danger to contact the authorities.