Any action that distracts the driver from operating a car is considered distracted driving. These include using a phone, eating and drinking, conversing with passengers, or tinkering with the car’s electronics.
Drunk driving involves operating a vehicle while having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08%, which is the legal limit, or more. Drinking reduces motor coordination, lowers reaction times, and compromises sound judgment – all necessary for safe driving.
Statistics and Prevalence
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were 3,308 people distracted driving fatalities in the US in 2022. Distracted driving is becoming a bigger concern in Michigan. According to the state’s Department of Transportation, crashes involving distracted drivers have been steadily rising.
Distracted driving was a factor in almost 18,000 crashes in 2022, which resulted in hundreds of injuries and fatalities. The number of instances involving distracted driving has increased significantly due to the widespread use of technology, particularly cell phones.
Fender-benders caused by distracted drivers in stop-and-go traffic account for a large number of distracted driving accidents. Check out these survey findings:
- 88% of drivers report using their phones at a stop sign or red light.
- 69% of drivers admit to using their phones while stuck in stop-and-go traffic.
- 63% have checked their phones while driving in slow-moving traffic.
Drunk driving is a recurring issue in Michigan. The Michigan State Police report that there were 357 fatal drunk driving incidents out of 9,557 total crashes in 2021. Even though these drunk driving statistics are marginally lower than in years past, drunk driving is still one of the most dangerous driving habits.
Consequences of Distracted and Drunk Driving
Drunk driving and distracted driving are both extremely dangerous, but they have different effects. There is often a correlation between distracted driving accidents and brief attention deficits. These fleeting diversions and visual distractions can have disastrous results, especially when driving fast or in congested traffic.
In contrast, drunk drinking results in a longer-lasting impairment of one’s cognitive functions. Alcohol has an impact on the cognitive processes of the brain, which can result in impaired motor coordination, delayed driver reaction time, and poor decision-making. Drunk drivers face well-established risks: those with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% are four times more likely to cause a car accident than sober drivers.
Impact-wise, drunk driving typically leads to more serious and fatal crashes. The NHTSA claims that crashes involving impaired driving due to alcohol have a higher death rate than those involving inattentive driving. Distracted driving is more prevalent, particularly among younger drivers, which leads to more accidents.
Tips for Prevention and Avoidance
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
From manual distractions to visual ones, it is important to manage anything that can take the driver’s eyes and concentration from the road, even for a few seconds. Here are some practical tips to help drivers improve their focus and reduce the risks of driving accidents, personal injury, and traffic fatalities.
- Plan the route and set the GPS destination before driving.
- Put the cell phone away and avoid texting and driving. Use hands-free devices, but remember that they can still provide some distractions.
- Keep hands on the steering wheel at all times. Avoid eating, drinking, and other distractions while driving a motor vehicle.
- Avoid multitasking, such as grooming, while driving.
- Set cell phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode to silence text message and other notifications. A driver does not have to be texting while driving to be distracted.
- Limit interactions with passengers while driving.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid any cognitive distractions.
How to Avoid Drunk Driving Accidents
Much like a texting driver, a drunk driver is nothing but trouble on the road and can cause dangerous problems for other drivers. While drinking may not be prevented sometimes, driving while intoxicated, which can lead to a car accident, can be avoided.
Here are some practical tips for drivers who have had a drink or two.
- Plan the night ahead. If there will be drinking, make sure to have a plan on how to get home safely.
- Arrange for a designated driver, someone who is sober.
- Call for a ride-sharing service or a cab.
- Stay for the night if a safe ride is not possible.
- Set limits if driving home cannot be avoided. Understanding how the mind and body react to alcohol consumption can help drivers be more aware of their limitations.
- Drive an intoxicated friend home or encourage them to take a cab and reduce their risk of a fatal crash.
- Be a responsible party host. Aside from alcohol, serve non-alcoholic drinks. Encourage guests to stay the night or get a cab if they are too intoxicated to drive.
Holding Distracted and Drunk Drivers Accountable
Improving road safety and discouraging irresponsible behavior while driving in Michigan require holding intoxicated and distracted drivers accountable. To mitigate the risks these drivers pose, Michigan has instituted a mix of legislative measures, enforcement tactics, and public awareness initiatives. The state holds these drivers responsible in the following ways:
Legal Consequences for Distracted and Drunk Driving
The driving penalties for drunk driving in Michigan include the following:
- Michigan treats drunk driving seriously, classifying it as Operating While Intoxicated (OWI). A first-time offender faces a maximum penalty of $500 in fines, 93 days in prison, and a six-month driver’s license suspension.
- Penalties rise if a person’s blood alcohol content is 0.17% or higher while driving. This may entail a $700 fine, a one-year license suspension, up to 180 days in jail, and required alcohol treatment programs.
- Repeat offenders of operating a vehicle after drinking and driving are subject to harsher punishments, such as longer jail time, heavier fines, longer license suspensions or revocations, and ignition interlock devices that must be installed.
- An intoxicated driver may face criminal charges, severe fines, punitive damages, lengthy jail terms, and a lifetime ban from driving if their actions cause serious injuries or death to others.
Michigan also implements sobriety checkpoints, where police officers may require suspected drivers to pull over and perform a DUI test.
Michigan’s Distracted Driving Laws hold inattentive and texting drivers accountable for their infractions. A hands-free rule forbidding drivers from using portable devices while operating a vehicle was passed in Michigan. This covers using social media, making calls, and sending text messages.
Fines, points on a driver’s license, and higher insurance costs are all possible penalties for violations. Repeat offenders may see their driver’s license suspended in addition to heavier fines.
The Impact of Distracted and Drunk Driving on Society
The effects of drunk and distracted driving on society are significant. These dangerous actions jeopardize not only the lives of people immediately involved in accidents but also impact businesses, families, communities, and society.
According to the NHTSA, the economic cost of car crashes in 2019 where the drivers involved were distracted was $98.2 billion. For crashes due to drunk driving, it was $68.9 billion for the same year.
What to Do After an Accident
A car accident can be scary, and it is easy to get overwhelmed. People involved in a car crash should maintain calm and collected. Avoid panicking, and if possible, do the following:
- Stop the vehicle. If possible, go to a safe place and check for injuries.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even with no visible injuries. Medical reports will be necessary should there be a need to seek compensation from the other driver to cover medical bills and other damages.
- Call the police.
- Collect evidence at the scene of the car accident. Take photos and video footage of vehicle damage, skid marks, property damage, and injuries. If possible, take photos of the driver’s license and insurance information of the at-fault driver.
- Call the relevant insurance provider.
- Call legal representation if needed. A personal injury lawyer can help in seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Contact The Clark Law Office for Legal Assistance in Michigan.
Distracted driving and drunk driving are common causes of traffic accidents. If you have been involved in a car accident involving drunk or distracted drivers, call The Clark Law office now for a free consultation. Our dedicated car accident lawyers will assist you get the compensation and justice you deserve, so you can move toward your physical, psychological, as well as financial recovery.
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