If you are the victim in a car crash caused by a drunk driver, you may sustain injuries that could possibly change your life. You are not only concerned but enraged. What was this person thinking? Why did he get behind the wheel?
The truth is, many people think that driving after enjoying a couple of drinks is no big deal. However, did you know that body weight and gender play a big role in the level of intoxication?
The preventable accident
The state of Wisconsin is serious about stopping drunk driving accidents. The statistics show that in 2015, vehicle crashes linked to alcohol consumption resulted in 190 fatalities and 2,900 people injured in our state. It is sad to note that accidents caused by drunk drivers are entirely preventable.
The body weight guide
Women become intoxicated more easily than men due to their gender and physiological makeup. Gender and body weight have a marked effect on blood alcohol concentration levels. For example, if a man who weighs 100 pounds has two standard drinks, his BAC will be 0.08 percent, which is the legal limit for drivers. However, if he stretches the two drinks out over an hour, his BAC will be 0.06 percent. He will only achieve a BAC of 0.00 after a period of five hours. On the other hand, a heavier man of 200 pounds will only have a BAC of 0.04 percent and it will take just two hours for his blood alcohol level to return to 0.00 percent.
The negative effects
In general terms, the negative effects of drinking alcohol will begin to surface after a driver has three drinks. Issues such as slower reflexes, poor judgment and blurry vision will be more pronounced for men who are smaller and weigh less.
Dealing with injuries
If you are injured in an alcohol-related vehicle crash, you are entitled to financial compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages and more. While your injuries may be severe, you are fortunate to be among the survivors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 30 people die on U.S. roads every day in accidents involving drunk drivers who do not know how much is too much.