Drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents in Oregon. Drivers often think that one or two drinks will not have much of an impact, but the fact is that any amount of alcohol in your system can cause impairments that make crashes and collisions more likely to occur. During the later summer months, DUI crashes tend to dramatically increase. Know your risks before heading out on the road.
Know Your Drunk Driving Car Accident Risks
During the month of August, the Portland Police Bureau conducts its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. It is part of a nationwide effort between law enforcement and traffic safety officials. The goal is to reduce drunk driving car accidents by getting the drivers responsible for them off the road.
The campaign is set to coincide with Labor Day, as this is typically one of the worst times for DUI-related car accidents. Considering the dangers and the increased presence of law enforcement officials on the road over the next several weeks, it is important to be aware of how having one or two drinks can increase your car accident risks. Driving under the influence could also result in serious criminal charges. A DUI conviction can leave you facing heavy fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and a potentially lengthy jail sentence.
How One or Two Drinks Increases Your Car Accident Risks
There is nothing wrong with attending parties, picnics, and other outings with family or friends and having one or two drinks while you are there. However, if you plan on getting behind the wheel at some point, it is important to be aware of how these drinks could impact your driving abilities.
In Oregon, you can be charged with DUI if you have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or greater. The American Automobile Association (AAA) warns that how many drinks it takes for you to reach this point will depend on the type of alcohol being served, as well as your age, weight, gender, and any underlying conditions you have. It also matters how quickly you imbibed the drinks and whether you had any food during this time.
Regardless of your BAC level, you can still be arrested for DUI if you appear intoxicated. This can happen after even small amounts of alcohol. The AAA details some of the impacts you are likely to suffer, based on the number of drinks you have:
- One drink lowers inhibitions and begins to impact your judgment;
- Two drinks lower your reaction times;
- Three drinks impact your reasoning abilities and is likely to be enough to put you over the legal BAC limit.
Let Us Help You Today
If you suffer injuries in a DUI-related car accident, the Johnston Law Firm P.C. can help you get the compensation you need to recover. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland car accident attorneys online and request a consultation today.