Five Different Types Of Driving Impairments In Nevada Car Crashes
Human error is one of the greatest factors when it comes to automobile accidents. Drivers can find themselves in trouble if driving while distracted, under the influence of alcohol, over fatigued, under the influence of drugs, or suffering from handicaps due to a medical condition. Whatever the case the Cottle Firm can offer experienced legal advice if you or someone you love in injured in a motor vehicle accident in Nevada.
Distractions
With the increasing accessibility to tech gadgets, there are many more distractions that can arise for drivers on the road. Distracted driving caused over 3,000 fatalities in 2017 alone. Though cell phones have become a prominent distraction to drivers, there are many other factors that can lead to accidents such as:
- Gps devices
- Navigating radio stations or audio devices
- Loud or energetic passengers
- Eating while driving
- Driving with an uncrated animal
Knowing that there are countless ways to easily get distracted while driving, it is important that drivers make it a priority to stay focused while behind the wheel.
Alcohol
Driving while under the influence is easily one of the most dangerous types of distractions that affect drivers today. From 2003-2012, over 1,000 fatalities were reported as a result of a drunk driving accidents in Nevada. Under the current Nevada laws, a person can drink and drive as long as their BAC stays under .08{88e349d5decac9e367401df59c8a5daea38c8be20f3485723a835d333268b5d9}. Although, what many people do not realize is that the effects of alcohol are present after just one drink. Depending on weight and diet, it is possible that after a single alcoholic beverage, one can be over the legal limit to drive. Alcohol, even in small amounts, slows down decision making, reaction times, and even vision.
Fatigue
Fatigue can show up in many ways for drivers. Some may be over exhausted and fall asleep at the wheel, while others can just be slightly drowsy and this causes them to lose focus of the road in front of them. Fatigue, similar to alcohol, can slow down reaction times, worsen decision making, and even affect a person’s vision. Driving while tired may not seem dangerous but in 2013 it accounted for 72,000 crashes and 800 deaths. Drivers should always make sure they are well rested before getting behind the wheel.
Drugs
Just like alcohol, drugs can impair the body in numerous ways. Though it is more common to see alcohol related accidents present at night, drug related accidents can happen at any time of the day. With the number of states legalizing drugs, such as Marijuana, there is an increased risk for crashes involving drivers under the influence. In 2015, 155 drug related arrests were made in Nevada, with that number increasing to 213 just a year later.
Medical Condition
Having a serious or chronic medical condition can alter a person’s ability to drive. For instance, someone suffering from epilepsy may not be safe to drive as they could have a seizure while behind the wheel. Drivers with vision or hearing impairments can also have difficulty driving, as they may have a hard time reading signs or hearing if they are in danger. Other medical conditions can include:
- Cardiovascular diseases
- Psychiatric diseases
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Metabolic diseases
- Respiratory diseases
It is possible that any one of these medical conditions or diseases can lead to driving impairments and furthermore, accidents while driving.
Why Call Our Nevada Personal Injury Law Firm?
Listed above are countless ways that a driver can be imparied and cause an automobile accident. Being involved in an accident can be scary and overwhelming. Often times, it is hard to know where to start or what to do first. The Cottle Firm offers decades of legal experience as a personal injury law firm in Nevada. Our firm has won over a quarter of a billion dollars for clients in Nevada and have thousands of satisfied customers as a result. If you or someone you love was injured in a motor vehicle accident and need guidance on what to do next contact our firm offices today at (702) 722-6111.
