Rarely would a driver decide to close their eyes while accelerating to merge onto the highway or would a driver decide to initiate the cruise control and make the choice to fall asleep. Seems completely absurd, yet there is not much difference when drivers choose to drive drunk or distracted as the outcomes are comparable. Distracted driving vs drunk driving; is there a difference? Both are illegal, both are intentional, and both are forms of reckless driving that can be prevented.
What is Drunk Driving?
A Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .08 or higher is over the legal limit to operate a vehicle. Predictable effects on driving include (NHTA.gov):
- · Reduced coordination
- · Reduced ability to track moving objects
- · Difficulty steering
- · Reduced responses to emergency driving situations
Consequences of Drunk Driving:
Accidents that involve drunk drivers often result in severe outcomes including physical injury, permanent life changes, property damage, and often death. A convicted drunk driver will face:
- · Monetary penalties often exceeding $10,000
- · Jail time
- · Loss of license and or vehicle impoundment
- · Ignition interlock device restrictions placed on the vehicle
- · Felony record
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is pretty much anything that takes your attention from driving. Some examples include eating, changing the radio station, attending to other passengers or pets, and the most common, texting. Predictable effects on driving include:
- · Decreased reaction time
- · Decreased awareness
Consequences of Distracted Driving:
The most common consequence of distracted driving is being the cause of an accident. Accidents involving distracted driving are on the upswing and as a result, stricter laws have begun to be implemented. It is illegal in most states to engage in distracted driving and if caught you could face:
- · Fines
- · Loss of driver’s license
- · Increased insurance premiums
- · Criminal charges following an accident
The discussion of which is worse: drunk driving vs distracted driving is not a hard one to have; drivers should not do either. Yet, countless drivers engage in these forms of reckless driving every day. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident involving a drunk or distracted driver, call the Law Offices of Reginald Keith Davis for your free consultation