Jersey Shore Personal Injury and Employment Specialists

How does alcohol consumption affect New Jersey drivers?

On Behalf of | Feb 24, 2016 | Drunk Driving Accidents |

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 30 people are killed in alcohol-related collisions across the U.S. every day. Despite the staggering statistics and growing knowledge of the dangers, motorists in New Jersey, and elsewhere, continue to get behind the wheel after drinking. This not only puts them in danger, it also poses a serious risk to you and your passengers. Often, people make this hazardous choice because they think they have not had too much to drink, or they fail to recognize how alcohol affects their bodies and their abilities to drive.

Alcohol consumption can have a range of effects on the human body, which people may begin to experience after as few as two drinks. According to the CDC, alcohol consumption may cause relaxation, loss of judgment, decreased alertness and exaggerated behavior. After having several drinks, people may experience decreased muscle control and coordination. Additionally, drinking alcoholic beverages may cause reasoning and self-control impairments, as well as issues detecting danger.

The effects of alcohol consumption on the body can have a significant impact on drivers. The CDC reports that these effects include the following:

  •          Problems maintaining lane position, steering and braking appropriately
  •          Decreased perception and ability to rapidly track moving targets
  •          Issues with speed control
  •          Lessened response to emergency driving situations

Alcohol consumption may also decrease motorists’ ability to focus on the task of driving. As a result of these, and other effects of alcohol, drunk drivers may be more likely to cause collisions, which may lead to serious injuries or death for them, you or others.

This post has provided an overview of how alcohol affects drivers. You should keep in mind, however, that the effects motorists may experience vary based on their size and weight, as well as the type and amount of alcohol they have consumed. Therefore, this post should be taken as general information and should not be considered legal advice.