Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous, and unfortunately, it remains a major concern in West Virginia and across the nation. Motor vehicle accidents involving impaired drivers can have disastrous consequences. Although many drivers may be aware of the potential hazards of drunk driving, they might not know just how severely this influence can affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Although impairment can affect a person in various ways, one of the most prevalent issues pertains to the impact it has on one’s reaction time. Those who drive while intoxicated are inherently less capable of reacting to a variety of scenarios in a timely manner. Drunk drivers may also suffer from a lack of coordination, and either of these issues could leave them unprepared to handle a multitude of situations while on the open road.
Although distracted driving may seem to be another issue entirely, the two aren’t always mutually exclusive, as drunk drivers may also exhibit difficulty concentrating on the task at hand. Those who drive while impaired may also suffer from poor or blurry vision, and they may have difficulty judging distances, both of which are vital to driving. While the impacts of impairment only intensify as the level of intoxication increases, even a small amount of alcohol or drugs could affect one’s ability to safely operate a vehicle substantially.
Those who suffer serious harm in motor vehicle accidents involving impaired drivers may wish to know more about their legal options following the crash. Since the civil justice system can be challenging to navigate, a person in West Virginia could benefit from retaining the services of a personal injury attorney for guidance. An attorney can examine the incident and assist a client in pursuing the restitution deserved through a claim against the party deemed at fault.
