Car accidents and designated drivers

10 Oct, 2014
By: Donald W Fohrman
Car accidents and designated drivers

Alarming statistics such as these have prompted agencies such as the American Medical Association to call for a lowering of the legal amount of blood alcohol content. A number of states have established harsher penalties for those arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol. Many believe that increased awareness of the need to designate a sober driver before a social event involving alcohol significantly reduces the danger, but others doubt the true efficacy of the program.

Not all designated drivers abstain from alcohol

Designated driversagree to stay sober throughout the evening in order to chauffer people home safely. It is important that they do not drink any alcohol at all because even half of an alcoholic drink impairs mental and physical ability to operate a vehicle. However, surveys have shown that many believe the responsibility only entails staying below the legal blood alcohol level, and that the primary task is to drink less than those who are not planning to get behind the wheel.

In a study recently published by the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, researchers from the University of Florida interviewed people leaving bars, and administered breath tests to measure blood alcohol content. Of the 165 people who claimed to be the ones chosen to take friends home after the event, 41 percent had been drinking. Of these, 17 percent had levels of 0.02 or less, but 18 percent were at 0.05 or more.

More awareness is necessary to prevent drunk driving

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is a group that actively advocates for the program, and members stress the respect accorded to the non-drinker at social functions. The findings of the University of Florida’s research team suggest that this respect may be misplaced in many cases. They recommend a renewed campaign that emphasizes how important it is for the driver to abstain from alcohol completely when planning to take others home after an event.

Individuals who witness a vehicle weaving in a lane, driving too slowly, making wide turns or tailgating should report the dangerous behavior to law enforcement. Victims of alcohol-related car crashesmay benefit from the advice of an Illinois attorney who is familiar with the legal resources and compensation available.

About The Author

Photo of Donald W Fohrman
After completing law school Donald became an assistant Attorney General for 7 years and was assigned to the Industrial Commission Division. During that time he spent evenings establishing his own firm. Donald became a founding partner of a large workers’ compensation/personal injury firm but decided to leave the firm in 1990 to start a smaller “boutique” firm with the belief that bigger isn’t always better!
Request a
Free Consultation