Halloween Drunk Driving Increases Baltimore Car Accident Risks
Halloween is popular in Baltimore, with parties, bar crawls, and community events happening across the city. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous times to be on the road. Drunk driving car accidents in Baltimore spike during late October and can cause devastating injuries.
Drunk driving crashes in Baltimore are preventable. Our experienced Maryland drunk driving accident lawyers explain how even a couple of drinks affects your driving abilities and steps that can help protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the road.
Halloween Drunk Driving In Baltimore: How Even Small Amounts of Alcohol Impair Driving Ability
Even seemingly small amounts of alcohol can affect a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction time. The consequences can be catastrophic in Baltimore, where neighborhoods are often filled with pedestrians and trick-or-treaters on Halloween.
Under the Maryland Statutes, you can be arrested for drunk driving in Baltimore if your blood alcohol content (BAC) is .08 or greater. However, impairment begins long before. The impact one or two alcoholic beverages can have on your driving ability include:
- Reduced reaction time slows your ability to brake or steer quickly to avoid a hazard.
- Lack of coordination makes it harder to control the steering wheel or maintain your lane.
- Impaired judgment can lead to dangerous behavior such as speeding or running lights.
- Vision impairments can cause blurring and reduced depth perception at night.
- Poor concentration and increased distraction make it easier to miss traffic signs, signals, and other drivers and pedestrians.
According to the Maryland Highway Safety Office, alcohol-impaired crashes account for roughly one-third of traffic fatalities statewide each year. Halloween weekend often sees an increase in car accidents and pedestrian deaths involving impaired drivers.
Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving Crashes In Baltimore This Halloween
Responsible choices reduce Baltimore drunk driving accident risks and help keep local streets safer for everyone. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration encourages all drivers to follow these steps:
- If you plan on drinking any amount, use a rideshare, public transportation, or a designated driver to get home.
- Stay overnight if you’re attending an event far from home.
- Host responsibly, serve food and nonalcoholic drinks at Halloween parties, and don’t let guests drive if they’ve been drinking.
- If a friend drinks too much, do whatever you can to keep them from getting behind the wheel.
- If you suspect another motorist is impaired, report it to local authorities.
Baltimore police typically increase patrols around Halloween, but reducing the risks starts with personal responsibility and can help prevent a lifetime of regret.
Injured in a Crash? Contact Our Experienced Baltimore Drunk Driving Accident Lawyers
Despite taking precautions, reckless behavior by other motorists can put you at risk. If you are injured in a Baltimore drunk driving accident, contact Maryland Injury Lawyers.
Our experienced Baltimore drunk driving accident lawyers investigate these crashes, hold negligent drivers accountable, and help victims get the maximum compensation for their medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. To find out how we can help you, request a consultation today.
Sources:
mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtr§ion=21-902
zerodeathsmd.gov/road-safety/impaired-driving/
