A report in The Gazette cited a study by Mothers Against Drunk Driving that listed Iowa in the bottom 10 states in terms of drunk-driving law enforcement. This means that Iowa has some of the most lenient DUI laws in the country.
Alcohol impairs a motorist’s ability to perceive danger, slows down reaction time, and disrupts coordination – all of which are necessary for safe driving. Drunk driving is particularly dangerous in heavy traffic.
On New Year’s Day, congested traffic will combine with drunk motorists to create one of the deadliest times to drive on U.S. roads. Data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety shows that 118 people died on average in traffic accidents on New Year’s Day between 2010 and 2014.
If you are hurt by a drunk driver over the holiday, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. An accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you claim compensation for lost wages, medical bills and other damages.
Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about drunk-driving injury claims in Iowa.
The Effects of Alcohol on a Driver’s Performance
A report by the Des Moines Register cited data from the Iowa Department of Transportation, which showed that 38 percent of all traffic fatalities in 2015 involved an impaired driver. That rate is expected to increase over New Year’s.
Although you cannot control the actions of other motorists, you can choose to stay sober and drive your friends and family home. If you plan to drive, it is best not to drink at all. Even if your BAC is below 0.08 percent, consuming just a few drinks can affect your ability to:
- Calculate distances;
- Judge your vehicle’s speed;
- Anticipate dangerous situations; and
- Respond quickly to hazards in the road.
How to Avoid Overconsumption of Alcohol
Although it is best to stay sober if you plan to drive, the fact remains that many people will consume alcohol on New Year’s Eve before getting behind the wheel. If you are one of them, here are five tips to help you avoid overconsumption:
Make sure every second drink is non-alcoholic;
- Stick to low-alcohol drinks such as light beer;
- Do not consume mixed drinks or cocktails because it is difficult to know the amount of alcohol in them;
- Stop drinking alcohol at least two hours before you plan to drive; and
- Do not take shots of liquor.
Unfortunately, no matter how careful you are on New Year’s Eve, all it takes is one negligent driver to cause a tragedy. If you are hurt or lose a loved one due to a drunk motorist, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
An accident lawyer in Cedar Rapids will help you avoid mistakes during the claims process such as unknowingly admitting fault, making recorded statements to insurance adjusters, overlooking certain damages or accepting a low settlement. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free consultation.