The Dangers of Drinking and Riding
The dangers of operating a motor vehicle while drinking has been well-established. However, alcohol involved in motorcycle accidents often goes overlooked. Because riding a motorcycle is inherently more risky than driving a passenger vehicle, the risks of alcohol are amplified in this situation. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents involving alcohol are more common than many people realize.
When people take note of the statistics regarding alcohol intoxication and motorcycle accidents, they are more likely to exercise caution. This is important for protecting both themselves and the people around them.
Statistics on Alcohol Motorcycle Accidents
The NHTSA recently published a report on motorcycle accidents. Alcohol was a significant area of focus. Alcohol-impaired drivers are defined as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 grams per deciliter (g/dL) or higher. According to the report:
- In 2013, more than 25 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents were found to involve at least one person who was drunk with a BAC of 0.08 or higher.
- This percentage was greater than other vehicle accidents, including passenger cars, light trucks, and large trucks.
- About 40 percent of motorcycle riders who were killed in an accident was drunk.
- Motorcycle fatalities that occurred at night were about four times more likely to involve alcohol than fatal collisions during the day.
The Impacts of Alcohol on Motorcycle Safety
Being under the influence of alcohol can seriously impact someone’s ability to operate a motorcycle safely. The following issues can arise:
- Slower Reaction Time: Those under the influence of alcohol will have a slower reaction time. This will make it harder for the driver to respond to changing road conditions, placing themselves and others at risk.
- Poor Vision: Alcohol will significantly impair someone’s ability to see clearly. People might experience poor vision or changes in color perception. These issues are amplified at night, making drunk driving even more deadly.
- Depth Perception: Those who ride a motorcycle while under the influence will have issues with tracking and depth perception. They might not be able to tell which direction an object is moving or how far away it is.
- Concentration: People who ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol will have trouble concentrating on what they’re doing. They might be easily distracted or fall asleep while riding, placing themselves, and others at risk.
- Poor Coordination: Alcohol can severely impair someone’s coordination. Their eyes, hands, and feet will not respond as quickly as they otherwise would.
Everyone must exercise proper motorcycle safety to protect themselves and others.
Watch YouTube Video: Drunk Riding. The video below discusses the dangers of riding a motorcycle drunk.
Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Motorcycle accidents involving alcohol are far too common and can lead to numerous fatalities. Those who have been harmed in a motorcycle collision due to the negligence of another person should contact me at (800) 404-5400 and/or (916) 921-6400 to receive free, friendly legal guidance and advice.
I’m proud to be a part of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum as well as the Top One Percent. This is an esteemed National Association of Distinguished Counsel. The legal professionals in this select group have both won verdicts & have negotiated case agreements valued at greater than $1 million.
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