Drunk driving puts everyone at risk of severe injuries, including the intoxicated vehicle operator. Maryland motorists should be aware of the dangers of driving while under the influence.
Intoxication and driving dangers
Alcohol affects reactions and perceptions, making intoxication and driving a dangerous mix. If alcohol dulls someone’s ability to understand what’s going on the road, the person might not be able to avoid an accident. Even when someone wants to swerve out of the way of a collision, weakened reaction abilities could make doing so impossible.
Alcohol and drugs may impair someone’s mental state, potentially increasing reckless behavior. A driver might not worry about speeding or committing other traffic violations because they are under the influence and not thinking properly. While intoxicated, someone whose routine driving behavior is reckless could worsen.
Excessive alcohol consumption could also cause someone to pass out. And yes, an intoxicated person may lose consciousness behind the wheel, resulting in a crash. No one should assume this can only happen when traveling long distances or late at night.
Blood alcohol concentration issues
Under Maryland law, a person is too intoxicated to drive when their blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches .08%. A Breathalyzer or blood test could establish alcohol levels in someone’s system. That does not mean someone with a BAC under the legal threshold cannot face DUI charges. If alcohol impairs the ability to drive, a DUI charge might be legally sound.
Be aware that someone does not need to be driving a vehicle or even behind the wheel to face charges. An arrest may occur even if an intoxicated person does not have immediate control of the vehicle, such as one approaching the car with keys in their pocket.
However, the police must have probable cause for an arrest. Furthermore, pulling someone over without the requisite reasonable suspicion that a crime is being committed could lead to the charges being dismissed.