Fox River Grove, IL (September 10th, 2024) – A driver with a BAC level of 0.235 allegedly caused an auto accident in Fox River Grove that left five people injured.
Witnesses reported the driver of a Chevrolet Sonic failing to yield to oncoming traffic while making a left-hand turn from Route 14 onto Route 22. The Chevrolet struck a Subaru traveling northbound on Route 14. An adult and two children who were in the Subaru were taken to Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital for treatment of undisclosed injuries.
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The Danger of Drunk Driving
Despite awareness of the danger, many drivers continue to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Drunk driving accidents can result in serious injuries, and were the cause of 294 deaths across the state in 2023.
Often, people mistakenly believe they have not had too much alcohol to drive safely. However, some effects, including those that may impair drivers, can be felt after just one drink.
Effects of Alcohol on Drivers
As a nervous system depressant, alcohol slows down the brain’s functions. Therefore, a number of its effects can be seriously impairing for drivers. Some of the most common ways alcohol affects the body include:
- Reaction Time: Alcohol slows down drivers’ reflexes, which may make it difficult for them to react quickly to unexpected situations on the road.
- Decision-Making: Consuming alcohol can slow a driver’s thinking, and cause impaired judgement, which may lead to poor decisions, such as speeding or taking unnecessary risks.
- Muscle Impairment: Drinking alcohol affects muscle coordination. Decreased coordination can make it harder to steer, brake, and accelerate smoothly.
- Loss of Balance: Balance may not seem an issue for people while behind the wheel. However, reduced balance can increase drivers’ risk of crashing, particularly on curvy roads or in poor weather conditions.
- Vision: alcohol can cause blurred or double vision, making it difficult to see clearly and assess potential hazards. It can also narrow people’s peripheral vision, limiting drivers’ ability to see objects outside their direct fields of view.
The effects of alcohol on driving can vary depending on ranging factors. However, to ensure road safety, it’s advisable to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking.
What to Do If You Suspect Another Driver Is Drunk
You can take every precaution yourself not to drink and drive, but you may still encounter others who have consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel. In such cases, the safety of yourself, your passengers, and others on the road are of the utmost importance. Knowing some steps to take if you suspect another driver is under the influence may help avoid some alcohol-related accidents.
Keep a Safe Distance
Drunk drivers can be unpredictable. Therefore, if you suspect another driver on the road is under the influence, you should maintain a safe following distance. It is not advisable to try to pass and move ahead of the drunk driver, nor to attempt to make contact with or stop them yourself.
Contact Law Enforcement
While you should not attempt to intervene yourself, you should notify law enforcement. When calling, give them as much information as possible, including the driver’s behavior, the location, and a vehicle description. If you are able to without endangering yourself or others, it is helpful if you can note the vehicle’s license plate number.
What Are Your Rights If You’re Injured By a Drunk Driver in Illinois?
If you are injured in an accident, and believe alcohol contributed to the cause, you may be entitled to compensation. With the assistance of a car accident lawyer, you may pursue a claim for damages, including:
- Medical Expenses – Including past and future medical bills, costs of surgeries, rehabilitations, and medications
- Lost Wages – Resulting from time off work to recover, and if your earning capacity was reduced due to injuries
- Pain and Suffering – Compensating you for the physical and emotional pain you suffered due to the accident
The amount you may recover will vary based on factors, including the severity of your injury and the total value of your economic losses.
If you were injured in an alcohol-related crash, you do not have to bear the financial burden alone. For more than 30 years, our auto accident lawyer, Bogdan Martinovich, has served Lake, Cook, and McHenry counties, seeking the maximum compensation on behalf of people like you. Call 847-996-1350 for a FREE consultation.
