Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is one of the most common causes of car crashes in Florida, but it is far from the only impairment that can lead to an accident. There are five common types of impairment that can be responsible for a crash.
From physical fatigue to mental distraction, understanding these driving impairments can help you stay safe behind the wheel. This blog post will explore the five types of impairment that can lead to a Florida car crash.
Alcohol
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of Florida’s most common and dangerous forms of driving impairment. Even a small amount of alcohol can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.
Alcohol affects your physical coordination, judgment, and reaction time, all of which are essential skills for safe driving. Furthermore, it increases the likelihood that drivers will take risks they would not normally take when sober. Even if you feel like you are capable of driving while impaired, the fact remains that you are much more likely to get into an accident.
It is important to note that it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher in Florida. If caught driving with a BAC over this limit, you could face severe legal consequences and even have your license suspended.
To protect yourself and others on the road, make sure to never drive while impaired by alcohol or any other substance.
Distraction
Distraction is a common factor in Florida car crashes. Distraction can have dire consequences, whether it’s a quick glance at your phone or looking away from the road for too long. When drivers take their eyes off the road, they cannot react quickly to any environmental changes.
This may include unexpected obstacles, such as another vehicle, an animal, or a sudden shift in traffic patterns. Additionally, drivers who are distracted may not be able to respond quickly enough if the traffic around them suddenly slows down or stops.
Distraction can also lead to impaired decision-making. For example, a driver may make a split-second choice that leads to swerving into another lane or driving too fast. All of these scenarios could result in a car crash, which could cause serious injury or death.
To prevent distractions from leading to car crashes in Florida, drivers should always keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. When necessary, they should pull over and park before engaging with a device or making a phone call. Furthermore, when driving with passengers, everyone in the vehicle should be attentive and refrain from engaging in activities that may distract the driver.
Drowsiness
Driving while drowsy is a major problem on the roads in Florida and across the country. When someone is sleep-deprived or simply exhausted, staying focused on the task at hand can be difficult – driving. When driving, staying alert and aware of your surroundings is important. If you find yourself becoming overly sleepy, pull over and take a break.
Taking a nap, eating a snack, or drinking caffeine are all good ways to help fight off drowsiness. Additionally, it’s important to get adequate sleep before driving. A lack of sleep can lead to impaired judgment and slower reaction time.
If you know you have a long drive ahead, try to break up the journey by taking frequent rest stops. Staying hydrated and well-rested will help you remain alert while driving. It’s also important to recognize the signs of drowsiness and be aware of how quickly your body can become affected.
Signs that you may be becoming too drowsy to drive include yawning, blurred vision, and difficulty keeping your head up. Drowsy driving is an issue that should not be taken lightly. Always ensure you get enough sleep before driving and take frequent breaks while on the road. Remember: a few minutes of rest could save your life.
Drugs
Drugs are among the most common causes of impaired driving in Florida car crashes. Taking legally prescribed or recreational drugs can affect a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and operate a vehicle safely. Impairment from drugs can lead to dangerous driving, with results that can be just as damaging as driving under the influence of alcohol.
The most common types of drugs involved in Florida car crashes are illicit narcotics, such as marijuana and cocaine. These drugs can drastically affect the user’s judgment and reaction time, leading to slowed response time and poor decision-making when behind the wheel. Additionally, certain prescription medications can cause side effects such as drowsiness or confusion, impairing a driver’s ability to drive safely.
Understanding how the drugs you take will affect your driving ability is important. Always follow the directions on the label and never take more than the recommended dose. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before mixing any medications with alcohol or other drugs. It is also important to take regular breaks if you are feeling tired or drowsy while driving. This will allow you to rest and assess your ability to continue driving safely.
Medical Condition
Driving while suffering from a medical condition is one of the most commonly overlooked driving impairments in Florida car crashes. Medical conditions can vary from short-term illnesses like the flu to chronic illnesses like diabetes or epilepsy. In any case, these impairments can significantly increase the risk of car accidents if not properly managed.
For those with chronic medical conditions, following your doctor’s instructions for managing the condition and when to stop driving is essential. Taking medications, getting enough rest, and eating a balanced diet can all help reduce the risk of an accident due to a medical condition.
For those with temporary illnesses, it’s important to make sure that the symptoms are well-managed before driving. Even minor symptoms, such as dizziness or blurred vision, can increase the risk of an accident.
It’s also important to be aware of your medications and their potential side effects. Some medications may cause drowsiness, confusion, or other issues that can lead to an accident. Make sure you know what side effects to look out for, and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns about your medications and how they may affect your driving.
When Involved in an Accident Caused by Impairment Contact a Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Hialeah Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a car accident in Hialeah, Florida, caused by an impaired driver, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney. The team at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers, Hialeah car accident lawyers, are experienced in helping victims of such accidents seek the compensation they deserve.
Impairment while driving can include anything from alcohol to drugs, distraction, and even medical conditions. Unfortunately, impairment while driving can cause devastating consequences for all involved, including serious injuries or death.
When an impaired driver causes a car accident in Florida, the victim may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs. The experienced attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers are Hialeah car accident lawyers and understand the complex legal process that follows such accidents and will work hard to ensure their clients receive fair and full compensation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident caused by an impaired driver, contact the experienced attorneys at Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers for a Hialeah car accident lawyer today. They will review your case and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact a Frankl Kominsky Injury Lawyers Hialeah car accident lawyer today at (561) 800-8000.