One study found that 10% of people have a hangover every few weeks. 30% swore off alcohol several times after a particularly horrible one. Around 12% of people are lucky enough to never get hangovers. There aren’t many specific driving hungover statistics, but there are plenty about drunk driving. It remains the number one driving habit that causes accidents. It causes over 17,748 annual crashes in Florida alone.
You may not see the connection between driving drunk and driving hungover. A hangover hurts, but it can’t be as serious as being drunk, right? It’s not enough to stop you from driving, right?
Read on to learn why driving hungover is a dangerous crash risk.
What Does a Hangover Feel Like?
A hangover is your body’s reaction to drinking alcohol. It gets diluted through the bloodstream, causing you to feel the effects throughout your body.
The amount of drinks it takes you to develop and how long it takes to get over a hangover differs from person to person. That’s because everyone has a different level of alcohol tolerance. It’s affected by factors such as:
- Genetics
- Weight
- Gender
- Age
- The type of drinks
- When the drinks were consumed
- Medications
- Physical and emotional health
Those with a high tolerance may not experience or recognize the symptoms. They still impair your ability as much as driving drunk. Common hangover symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dehydration
- Irritability
- Muscle and body aches
- Slowed reaction times
How Do Hangovers Impair Driving?
Sleeping off a night of drinking can bring your BAC or blood alcohol concentration down to 0%. It might at least get it down to the legal limit of 0.08%. That may make you think that driving hungover is okay.
Research from Utrecht University found that isn’t true. Hungover drivers in their study had similar impairments to drunk drivers, even with a 0.0% BAC. These included:
- Slower reaction times
- Increased driving errors
- Inability to maintain a steady speed
- Drifting out of the lane of traffic
- Blurry vision
- Increased road rage
How Can I Prevent Hangover Driving?
The most important part of avoiding the dangers of driving hungover is patience. The most crucial of all driving safety tips is preparation.
If you know you’re going to a party that involves alcohol, make sure you don’t have to drive home. Choose a non-drinking designated driver to take you and any friends who were drinking home.
Preventing hangover driving also means treating the symptoms. Do everything you can to lessen them so you can have a clear head when you’re on the road.
Most miracle cures and home remedies don’t work. The “hair of the dog” method of drinking more to make the pain go away is one of the worst. Coffee is also an ineffective method because it can make you dehydrated. Stick with proven methods instead.
Pain relievers can help ease pain such as headaches or stomachaches. Don’t use Tylenol. It can cause your body to metabolize alcohol more slowly. Take NSAID pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirn instead. Get rest, stay hydrated, and get enough to eat.
Stay inside until the symptoms go away. Wait until you can drive as normal to go out.
What Are The Legal Implications of Driving Hungover?
Driving hungover isn’t only dangerous because of the risk of a collision. It has serious legal implications. Waking up with a headache is bad enough. How about waking up in jail or with a major fine?
Sober drivers also have to keep an eye out for ones who may be hungover. They have the right to go to court for damages after any collisions.
If You’re the Driver
Don’t assume you can get away with driving hungover because time has passed. A breathalyzer can detect alcohol for 12-24 hours.
You can also be liable for any crashes you cause while hungover, even if your BAC is below the legal limits. If you crash into another car, you’ll have to cover the other driver’s:
- Damages
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Vehicle repairs
If your blood alcohol level is above legal limits, you’ll get a DUI or driving under the influence charge. That could include penalties such as paying fines, losing your license, or even facing jail time. The penalties increase depending on whether or not you’re a repeat offender.
These offenses stay on your record. That leads to higher insurance premiums.
If You’re the Victim
What if you’re the victim of a crash caused by a hungover driver? The first thing to do is to get proper medical treatment. Then, take photographs of the scene and exchange insurance information.
When you take the other driver to court, the burden of proof is on you. You need to prove that they were impaired and that it caused the crash.
One valuable piece of proof is the accident report. It has police information about both drivers and what happened.
There are also other forms of viable evidence. Ask for Dashcam footage of the other car if it has one.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re responsible for or the victim of a crash caused by a hungover driver. Both cases require a responsible, skilled lawyer. They know the tactics the other side will use, making them an invaluable asset to have on your side. They help prove fault, calculate damages, and negotiate fair settlements.
Helping The Victims of a Hungover Accident
Driving hungover is as dangerous as driving drunk. It impairs your ability to see, focus, and make decisions. Find a designated driver to take you home any time you go out to drink. If you drive hungover and get in a crash, you are responsible for the victim(s). The accident victim should seek the help of an auto accident lawyer.
RHINO Lawyers is a forward-thinking law firm that still abides by timeless principles like integrity. We’re always available through human-to-human and online communication. We use the latest technology to look at trends that can help you win your case.
We don’t get paid unless you win. Contact us for a consultation today.
CONTACT A TAMPA AUTO ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a car accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.RHINO.77.
