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Drunk driving is a major problem in Colorado. Driving under the influence of alcohol leads to hundreds of serious and fatal accidents each year. According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, one in every three traffic deaths in the state involves an impaired driver. Understanding what leads to drunk driving most often can help prevent this deadly crime.
Many cases of drunk driving are attributed simply to poor decision-making. Motorists have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely and prudently, as well as within the confines of Colorado law. Driving with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level at or above 0.08 percent is against the law in all 50 states. Unfortunately, many drivers carelessly and recklessly decide to drive while impaired anyway.
Young people – and underage drinkers in particular – are more prone to driving while intoxicated than older and more experienced drivers. Young drivers and teens are more susceptible to peer pressure and may be influenced by others to drink and drive after social activities.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that almost one-third of deadly car accidents involving young drivers in 2022 also involved underage drinking. In 2022, 30 percent of drivers ages 15 to 20 years old who were killed in traffic accidents had detectable BAC levels.
While it is not safe to operate a motor vehicle after consuming any amount of alcohol, many drivers believe they are still in a fit state to drive after imbibing only a small amount. However, their guesses often underestimate their level of impairment or overestimate their ability to drive. In many cases, drivers are more intoxicated than they think.
A driver’s BAC level will depend on the number of drinks consumed in a certain amount of time. If a person drinks quickly, he or she will reach a higher BAC than drinks consumed over a longer period. In addition, alcohol tends to remain in the blood of women longer than men, and can also vary by weight. Finally, alcohol absorption will be diminished if the individual has eaten.
Anyone who plans on drinking alcohol – or if there is even the smallest possibility of doing so – should not plan on driving. Proper planning ahead of time can prevent drunk driving by giving an intoxicated individual a safe mode of transportation home. Designating a sober driver, using public transportation, taking a taxi, ordering an Uber or Lyft, or staying at a friend’s house are all examples of plans that can prevent driving under the influence of alcohol.
Many drunk drivers who are arrested for DUI in Colorado are repeat offenders. This points to deeper issues, such as alcohol use disorders. Stress and psychological factors can lead to an individual using alcohol to cope and ultimately driving while impaired. Chronic heavy drinking, binge drinking and alcohol dependence all increase the odds of a person driving while intoxicated.
If a drunk driver in Colorado causes a car accident, his or her car insurance company can be held financially responsible for all innocent victims’ losses, including medical bills and property damage.
If you suffered serious injuries or a loved one died in a drunk driving accident, get help with the legal process from an experienced experienced car accident attorney in Denver. An attorney can fight for justice to seek closure, accountability and maximum financial compensation on your behalf.