Blood Alcohol Levels Affect South Florida Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders face a certain vulnerability on the rode than other vehicle drivers. In the last two years, Florida’s Department of Transportation (DOT) reported a sharp decline in motorcycle accidents falling from 550 to 330 fatalities every year. Still, the number of families whom have lost a loved one is staggering. Bystanders are left scratching their heads as to what causes so many Broward County motorcycle accidents.

Florida’s 2012 DOT’s Performance Report has begun to reveal several findings that will help riders be more prepared. The first, is related to age. While we know that young drivers are more likely to get in an accident, those who ride motorcycles are especially more prone to end in a fatality. More Florida motorcyclists aged 25-34 were fatally injured than any other age group.

The report also showed that over 40% of Florida’s statewide traffic deaths were caused by drunk driving fatalities. Over 742 drivers and passengers lost their life due to someone driving under the influence of alcohol in Florida last year, and over 2,307 sustained serious injuries.

How much is TOO much?

While it’s not wise to partake of any amount of alcohol before you get behind the wheel, Florida’s legal blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 is the maximum that the law considers an individual is too impaired to drive. Most drunk drivers consume three times that level, causing huge impairment that leads to serious motorcycle injuries and fatalities.

The Ohio State University showed their smarts when they created their “partysmart.com” website, which educates individuals about the significance of drinking and driving. Below are the effects of varying blood alcohol content (BAC).

1. Lightheaded (.02-.04%): Drivers may fairly relaxed, but moods are easily aroused.
2. Buzzed (.05-.07%): Drivers talk louder, act happier or angrier.
3. Legally Impaired (.08-.10%): Impaired vision, hearing, balance, motor skills, self-control, sexual restraint.
4. High (.11-.15%): Increased impairments of those listed above, including forgetting how many drinks you had.
5. Very Drunk (.16-.19%): Blackout, or lie down and fall asleep, inability to walk, stand, operate a vehicle, depression.
6. Disorientation (.20%): Inability to feel if wounded or hurt, vomiting, confusion.
7. Stupor (.30%): Most people prone to pass out involuntarily, alcohol poisoning, others unable to wake you up.
8. Anesthesia (.35%): Person appears to be under anesthesia and breathing may stop.
9. Coma (.40%): Heartbeat and breathing slow to dangerous levels.

How factors affect the increased rate of the BAC?

1. How many drinks are consumed
2. How quickly the drinks are consumed
3. Women retain alcohol within their body for longer than men
4. People who weigh more usually absorb alcohol at slower rates
5. Food, namely protein, slows down the digestion and lowers the BAC

Get Help!

Broward County motorcycle riders pay a high price for their freedom, often resulting in serious injury, such as paralysis and head trauma or death. Contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld to find out what your legal rights are and how to receive help. Call: (954) 677-0155(954) 677-0155 to meet with a skilled Broward County Motorcycle Accident Attorney.