Drunk driving is one of the biggest causes of auto accidents. They often happen at night and around bars. But, anyone is at risk of drunk driving accidents anytime, anywhere. 

The reason drunk driving is so dangerous is that alcohol impairs drivers’ senses. A drunk driver may have impaired vision and struggle to see their surroundings. They may also make poor judgments, such as not applying pressure to a brake soon enough before a stop sign.

It may be important to know the signs of a drunk driver. Some obvious signs of a drunk driver could include a driver who’s speeding through red lights, stopping suddenly or swerving between lanes. Many drunk drivers are hard to spot, however, because alcohol affects everyone differently. 

How are drunk driving accidents prevented?

The police have the right to pull over drivers that are suspected of drunk driving. The police can then conduct an investigation and perform sobriety tests to determine if a driver is safe to be on the road. These checks and balances are used to increase traffic safety.

In the next several years, new car models are planned to incorporate in-vehicle breathalyzers. This means that drivers won’t be able to drive unless they pass a breath test. In theory, this would reduce auto accidents. But, that’s still a ways away. 

What are your legal rights in an auto accident?

For now, you could still be a victim of a drunk driving accident. Victims of drunk driving accidents often suffer traumatic injuries as a result. You may need to learn about your legal options when seeking compensation for your injuries and losses after an accident.