Young adults going to college need to be aware of the risk of drunk driving. Drunk driving kills nearly 30 people in the United States every day, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Additionally, each year, 2,000 college students die in drunk driving accidents, and 12,000 young adults are sent to emergency rooms because of impaired driving collisions. College students who understand how alcohol impacts their ability to drive safely and are familiar with consequences of drunk driving are more likely to make safe choices behind the wheel.
How Does Alcohol Impact Driving?
Teenagers and young adults hear from their teachers, parents, and mentors that drunk driving is unsafe. However, some young adults do not fully understand the dangers of drunk driving. Alcohol use impairs the following:
- Concentration
- Decision making
- Hand, eye, and foot coordination
- Reflexes
- Response time
- Tracking
- Vision
With slower reaction time and difficulty tracking signals, signs, and other cars, individuals who have been drinking are simply not equipped to drive safely.
Drunk Driving Among College Students
Every year in the United States, many college students die from alcohol use and drunk driving car accidents. Drunk driving continues to be a hazard not only to young drivers, but to the pedestrians and other road users as well.
Victims hurt in drunk driving accidents can suffer debilitating catastrophic injuries, such as head, neck, and spinal injuries. Beyond the physical pain and suffering, college students caught driving drunk risk severe legal and financial penalties that can impact their education and employment. Drunk drivers face license suspensions, steep fines, and even jail time.
College students who choose to drink should always make a plan to prevent drunk driving. Every college student can do their part to prevent drunk driving car accidents:
- Designate a sober driver before the night begins.
- Utilize rideshare services when the group has been drinking.
- If one is hosting a party, make sure every guest driving home is sober.
- Take the keys of an inebriated person if they attempt to drive.
If one is hit by a drunk driver, they may have legal options. It is always best to consult a lawyer after a serious collision.
Washington, D.C. Car Accident Lawyers at the Law Offices of Duane O. King Represent Clients Injured in Drunk Driving Crashes
Drunk driving is frequent among college students, but people of all ages engage in impaired driving. If you were hit by a drunk driver, speak to a trusted Washington, D.C. car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Duane O. King today. Complete our online form or call us at 202-331-1963 for a free consultation. We have an office conveniently located in Washington, D.C., and we serve clients throughout Prince George’s County, including Laurel, Beltsville, Adelphi, College Park, Greenbelt, Mitchellville, Woodmore, Greater Upper Marlboro, Springdale, Largo, Bowie, Capitol Heights, District Heights, Forestville, Suitland, Seat Pleasant, Clinton, Oxon Hill, Temple Hills, and Fort Washington.
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