The Dangers of Driving While Impaired
Driving while impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol or other substances, makes driving substantially more dangerous.
Memorial Day weekend was this past weekend, with the holiday itself falling on this past Monday. Memorial Day typically marks the beginning of summer, even though meteorologically speaking, summer doesn’t truly begin until the Summer Solstice somewhere around the 20th of June. Drunk driving and other forms of driving while impaired always seems to spike around major holidays.
What Are the Dangers of Driving While Impaired?
Driving while impaired, whether under the influence of alcohol or other substances, makes driving substantially more dangerous. Reflexes, decision-making, and concentration are all essential to safely operating a vehicle, and all three of these functions are hampered when the operator is driving while impaired. And even when the merest traces of alcohol or other substances are in a driver’s system, these are other consequences:
- Higher likelihood of speeding
- Seatbelts are neglected
- Collisions or other accidents are more prevalent
Besides Drivers, Who Else is At Risk?
Impaired driving can affect anyone of any age, whether or not they are actually operating a vehicle. Younger drivers, regardless of what their blood alcohol content (BAC) levels are, are already more prone to reckless or dangerous driving. Less experienced drivers are more likely to be involved in an accident than more experienced drivers, as it goes.
Motorcyclists are also at risk. According to the CDC, 29% of the motorcyclists killed in fatal crashes in 2014 had BAC levels of 0.08% or more: Three years ago is not a long time, and 0.08% is the level where drivers are considered legally drunk. Driving while impaired can also be a convictable offense, and drivers with this BAC level or higher also tend to have a DWI conviction in their driving history than drivers who are not intoxicated or driving while impaired.
Some Methods for Preventing Driving While Intoxicated
Useful methods for preventing or lowering rates of driving while intoxicated include police checkpoints monitoring driver sobriety and ignition locks that will stop a car engine from turning on if the operator’s BAC level is too high. At the individual level, having a designated driver, preventing friends from driving while impaired, and calling a taxi all help as well.
Prioritizing Safety with G & M Services
G & M Services is proud of our employees and the dedication they have for safety in the workplace. Our employees are also rewarded for positive safety practices. We incorporate weekly and monthly discussions and meetings to ensure that all involved are aware of how to handle equipment and potential situations that could occur during a project.
G & M Services offers services in the way of concrete drilling and sawing, concrete scanning, and FireStop. To get started with G & M Services, call us today at 410-787-8828 or visit our contact page.
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