The People’s Lawyer

How alcohol impacts a driver

by | Oct 16, 2018 | Drunk Driving Charges

If a driver in West Virginia or any other state drives with a blood alcohol content of .08 percent or higher, he or she is committing a crime. It is usually labeled as either driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence. Drivers should know that driving after consuming any amount of alcohol can be dangerous. They should also be aware that they can be impaired without showing any symptoms.

Those who drive after drinking alcohol could experience a slower reaction time and a lack of coordination. It can also reduce the level of concentration that a person has while behind the wheel. A lack of concentration could cause a driver to swerve into another lane or drive faster than the speed limit. Alcohol can also lower a person’s inhibitions, which can make it harder to properly deal with others on the road.

If an individual gets into a car accident, it could cause financial problems for him or herself. It may also cause financial problems for victims of the accident. Anyone involved in an accident may not be able to go to work, which can make it harder to pay medical expenses or legal fees. Each year, accidents related to drunk drivers costs the American economy $44 billion.

Individuals who are facing drunk driving charges may lose their ability to drive. They may also be required to pay a fine or spend time in jail as part if convicted of the charges. An attorney may work to help a person negotiate a plea bargain, get a charge dismissed or obtain an acquittal in a DUI case. This may be done by casting doubt on a police report or asserting that an individual experienced a medical condition that resulted in erratic driving.