Designated drivers are one way to prevent drunk driving accidents. The idea is that one person remains sober so that when it comes time to climb into a vehicle, the lives of the vehicle occupants and others on the road aren’t put at risk. Yet a new study out of the University of Florida suggests that not all designated drivers abstain from alcohol.
Researchers visited a college town that was not specified and administered blood alcohol tests to 165 self-proclaimed designated drivers. Of those, 108 (65 percent) had no alcohol in their systems. But 28 of the designated drivers (17 percent) had Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) levels between 0.02 and 0.049, not enough to be considered intoxicated.
However, 29 of the individuals (18 percent) were closer to the legal limit of 0.08 or higher, with BAC levels 0.05 or higher. Although not all would necessarily be considered impaired, it does raise concerns regarding the point of a designated driver.
It could be that some think limiting his or her alcohol consumption to a drink or two is enough to earn the title of designated driver. It may sound innocent enough, yet the fact remains that a drink or two coupled with the distractions of carting around friends who have been drinking could impact one’s ability to drive safely.
If it’s believed that a drunk driver was the cause of an accident, contact a lawyer at Gacovino, Lake & Associates. We will review the details of the car accident and help victims determine legal options that could be available.
