Often drivers don’t think twice about whether or not they’re mentally or physically capable of driving. Many factors can impact your capability to drive, and it’s important to be aware of them before stepping into your vehicle. Whether you’re the designated driver of the evening or you’re getting a ride from a loved one, you should be 100% sure that you (or they) can safely and responsibly operate the vehicle. Read on to learn more about the mental and physical factors that can impair your judgment and capability to drive.
Factors That Affect the Driver’s Ability Behind the Wheel
Alcohol
It goes without saying that driving while consuming alcohol is a very high-risk decision. Even though the maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for fully licensed drivers in Edmonton is 0.08, you should still drive with extreme caution after consuming any amount of alcohol. Driving under the influence is still a major cause of traffic injuries and deaths. In Alberta, one in five drivers involved in fatal collisions consumed alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
Medication and Drugs
When people think of unsafe drivers, they usually think of people driving under the influence, but did you know that some prescription and over-the-counter medications can also significantly impact your driving ability? When operating a vehicle after taking your medicine, you might experience side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, which affects your judgment and decision-making when driving. When talking to your pharmacist or doctor about your current prescription, make sure to ask them about the effects of all your medication, including over-the-counter medications, when operating your vehicle.
Note: Some medications have no effect on your driving ability; however, if combined with alcohol or in conjunction with other medicines, they can cause significant side effects.
Physical Challenges
There’s no denying that alcohol and drugs can impair the driver’s judgment and ability to operate their car, but there are other variables that can also affect your driving, including:
- Vision
- Near or far sighted
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Physical Abilities
- Balance and coordination
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Arthritis
- Neurological impairments ( Parkinson’s, brain injury, MS, stroke, etc.)
- Fatigue
- Emotional stress
- Lack of sleep or stress
- Driving for long periods of time
If you feel that you or your loved one is not fit to drive for any reason, make the right decision and call a cab or a friend to pick you up. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.
Are You or Your Loved One a Victim of a Car Accident?
Experiencing a car accident and suffering from serious injuries due to another driver’s negligence is painful. Hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer in Edmonton is the best way to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve while you focus on your road to recovery.
At James H. Brown and Associates, we provide victims of motor vehicle accidents with the resources and support they need to focus on their physical and emotional recovery while our award-winning team of experienced personal injury lawyers in Edmonton fight for their rights! With over 250 years of combined legal experience, we understand the challenges a life-altering accident can have on a person. Our team is ready to fight for your rights while you focus on your recovery.
Book a free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers in Edmonton today.
