Summer is here in Montana, and that means camping trips, fishing, family reunions, national holidays and more. Alcohol is often a large component of these events, but a celebration can turn tragic if someone makes the irresponsible decision to drive drunk, causing a car crash that injures or kills another person.
Montanans may already know that driving with a blood-alcohol concentration above the legal limit of 0.08% is dangerous. However, even having only a couple of drinks can impair a driver enough to make them a danger behind the wheel.
For example, after about three drinks with a BAC of 0.05%, a driver can find their coordination and ability to track moving objects is reduced. Operating the steering wheel may become more difficult. Finally, their ability to respond to an emergency driving situation is reduced. Any of these effects could impair a motorist’s driving ability to the point that they cause a motor vehicle accident.
However, perhaps only having a couple drinks is okay? Actually, even having about two drinks can impair a person’s ability to drive. At a BAC of 0.02%, a person may find their ability to rapidly track moving targets with their eyes has declined. In addition, they may find it difficult to perform two different tasks at the same times. These are essential driving skills that, if impaired, could lead to a drunk driving accident.
In the end, some people might say that no amount of alcohol is safe if you plan on driving. Unfortunately, it doesn’t take very many drinks to impair a person. An impaired driver is a negligent driver when it comes to motor vehicle accidents that injure or kills others. Do not assume that because the at-fault motorist’s BAC was under the legal limit that nothing can be done. In such situations, it may be worthwhile to seek legal counsel to determine what your options are moving forward.
At Colton Holm Law Firm, we look forward to learning how we can help you resolve your legal concern.Call us today: (406) 259-9986