By Susan Melony
Independence Day sees the highest number of drunk driving crashes, making it one of the most dangerous holidays for motorists and pedestrians. Drunk driving remains a leading cause of severe accidents, as alcohol impairs judgment, slows reaction times, and reduces coordination. This combination significantly increases the risk of collisions.
Here are some of the most common types of crashes caused by intoxicated drivers.
Rear-end accidents
A rear-end accident happens when a vehicle slams directly into the rear of another vehicle. Rear-end collisions mostly occur when a drunk driver engages in other reckless driving behaviors, such as speeding and texting behind the wheel. The impact of a rear-end crash can be severe because the front driver may not be aware of the incoming vehicle until it hits them with full force.
Head-on collisions
When a driver under the influence of alcohol becomes drowsy or falls asleep at the wheel, they may lose control and collide head-on with oncoming traffic. Alcohol also impairs vision, understanding of traffic signs, and awareness of other drivers' actions, increasing the likelihood of head-on collisions.
Rollover accidents
Drunk drivers are likely to engage in risky driving behaviors such as speeding and overtaking recklessly, increasing the likelihood of rollover accidents. Rollover accidents usually result in serious injuries to both the driver and the passengers.
Pedestrian accidents
A drunk driver usually has little awareness of their environment. As such, they may hit a pedestrian crossing the road or walking on the sidewalk.
These accidents happen most often during nighttime. That's because the number of drunk drivers increases at night. Darkness also reduces visibility, making it challenging to see nearby pedestrians.
Wrong-way crashes
Drunk drivers may become disoriented, causing them to enter highways or roads in the wrong direction. Such situations often result in head-on collisions or side-impact crashes. These accidents usually result in serious injuries because other drivers have less time to react.
Hit-and-run accidents
Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time, making it harder for drivers to make rational decisions after a crash. Many intoxicated drivers panic when they cause an accident and escape from the scene instead of stopping to take responsibility. When victims are left without immediate assistance, it makes their injuries even more dangerous.
Side-impact collisions
Alcohol affects a driver's ability to judge distances, react quickly, and follow traffic signals, increasing the risk of running red lights or stop signs. This can lead to collisions where one vehicle crashes into the side of another, often at intersections. Passengers seated on the side of impact are at a greater risk of injury in these crashes.
Common fact patterns involving drunk driving
Drunk driving accident cases often follow common patterns, such as the following:
Time of day
Most drunk driving accidents occur at night between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The frequency also increases during weekends and on special events, including holidays. Law enforcement often increases DUI checkpoints and patrols during these high-risk times to reduce accidents.
Locations
Some places experience higher rates of drunk driving incidents than others. For instance, urban regions with numerous bars, hotels, and restaurants tend to experience higher drunk driving accident rates.
Suburban and rural areas may also experience incidents of drunk driving. That's because rural areas may not have public transportation or other alternative means of transportation, such as Uber or taxis. As such, drunk drivers are often left with no choice but to drive themselves to their destinations.
Driver demographics
While drunk driving affects people of all backgrounds, some patterns emerge in studies on DUI-related accidents.
- Gender: Studies show that men are slightly more likely to drive under the influence than women. This could be due to differences in alcohol consumption habits, risk-taking behavior, or social norms.
- Age: Younger drivers, particularly those between 21 and 34 years old, are statistically more likely to be involved in alcohol-related crashes. This age group often engages in social drinking and may underestimate the effects of alcohol on their driving abilities.
Injuries caused by drunk driving accidents
Driving under the influence can lead to serious car accident injuries. Different incidents lead to different injuries, but the following injuries occur more frequently:
Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury is one of the most common injuries sustained by drunk driving accident victims. Traumatic brain injury can have severe effects on the victim's memory, reasoning, hearing, and vision. This limits the person's ability to work and perform everyday tasks.
Spinal injuries
Serious spinal injuries can lead to either partial or total paralysis in the affected individual. A disc rupture or displacement can also make them experience chronic pain and nerve damage.
Organ damage
Organ damage can be life-threatening and often requires immediate medical attention. Organs that are mostly damaged in road accidents include the lungs, kidneys, and spleen.
Broken bones and fractures
Car accident collisions generate powerful forces which can cause broken bones and fractures. Fractures can cause intense pain and limit the patient's movement ability. Victims may need to undergo surgery to align and stabilize the broken bones.
Steps to take after a drunk driver hits you
Here are some crucial actions following involvement in an accident with a drunk driver:
- Ensure your safety: To avoid further injuries, you should move to a secure location that is as far away as possible from traffic.
- Seek medical attention: It's important to seek medical attention even if you're not severely injured. That's because some injuries may remain hidden and appear later.
- Contact law enforcement: You should report the accident immediately to the police and give them precise details of the incident, including your observations of the other driver's suspected intoxication.
- Gather evidence: Document the accident scene by taking photos of the vehicle damages and visible injuries. You should also obtain contact information from witnesses, if possible.
- Do not confront the other driver: Do not confront the intoxicated driver because it could make the situation worse.
- Notify your insurance company: Notify your insurance provider about the drunk driving car accident, and share all required details and paperwork.
- Contact an attorney: Find a seasoned car accident attorney who has a proven track record of representing drunk driving accident victims. These legal professionals will help you recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
Stay safe on the road
Drunk driving accidents are entirely preventable. If you plan to drink, always arrange for a designated driver, use a rideshare service, or stay where you are. You can also protect yourself from dangerous drunk drivers by driving defensively. Remember, no drink is worth risking a life.
