Study: “Minimally Buzzed” Drivers to Blame for Many Deadly Auto Accidents

According to a new study from UC San Diego, a driver with a blood-alcohol level of only 0.01 is 46 percent likelier to be entirely at fault for a car accident than the sober motorist involved in the crash. This study, which was released last Thursday, looked at the details of 570,731 deadly crashes from 1994 to 2011. The conclusion was that there is no blood-alcohol content with which it is safe to drive, even though the legal limit for driving is set at 0.08.

Researchers discovered that there is no sudden BAC limit at which a buzzed driver will start being blamed with causing an accident. Instead, the percentage of blame rises proportionately for drivers with a 0.01 to 0.24 percent BAC. One drink is enough to increase the risk of a car accident. Researchers pointed out that in more than 100 countries, the legal BAC limit for drivers is 0.05, which is not a safe BAC according to the study, but it is a step in the right direction.

The conclusion: the only safe BAC for a driver is zero, concurring with the NHTSA’s “buzzed driving is drunk driving” campaign.

Clearly, this research argues that drivers should never get behind the wheel after so much as a small drink, for their safety and the safety of others. But unfortunately, it only takes one irresponsible driver to cause a crash. If you or a loved one have been in a car accident with a drunk driver or a buzzed driver, then you may be suffering the consequences of their reckless actions. If you face car bills, medical expenses, and lost income after a car crash, you could be owed compensation to cover this all and more.

In a state that has contributory negligence, however, it is vital that you protect your right to compensation with the help of a skilled Raleigh personal injury lawyer. Be sure to contact the Whitley Law Firm today before your case expires!