Driving under the influence of alcohol is well-known as a serious risk to road safety. However, what about driving with a hangover? In Indiana, the risks of driving with a hangover may not be as obvious, but it is important to understand the potential consequences.
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What Is a Hangover?
A hangover is a combination of symptoms people may experience after consuming a certain amount of alcohol. These symptoms can include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dehydration/thirst
- Dizziness
- Sensitivity to light and/or sound
- Rapid heartbeat
- Muscle aches
- Poor sleep quality
- Difficulty concentrating
Hangovers typically begin several hours after drinking stops. This is when blood alcohol content drops significantly. People can remain hungover, however, anywhere from a few hours to a full day or even longer. The length and severity of a hangover depends on various factors, like the amount of alcohol consumed, individual tolerance and overall health.
How Does a Hangover Affect Driving?
A hangover can significantly impair your ability to drive safely. Here are some key ways a hangover affects driving:
- Delayed reaction time: Your reflexes and ability to respond quickly to unexpected situations on the road are slower.
- Reduced concentration: Difficulty focusing makes it harder to pay attention to traffic, road signs, and potential hazards.
- Impaired judgment: Decision-making skills are compromised, potentially leading to poor choices while driving.
- Decreased visual acuity: Sensitivity to light and lingering effects on vision can make it harder to see clearly, especially in bright sunlight.
- Fatigue: Tiredness from poor sleep quality decreases alertness and increases the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
- Dizziness and vertigo: These symptoms can affect balance and spatial awareness, crucial for safe driving.
- Nausea: Feeling sick can be a major distraction while operating a vehicle.
- Dehydration: This can lead to fatigue and reduced cognitive function.
- Increased irritability: This may result in aggressive driving behaviors.
- Residual alcohol in the system: Depending on how much was consumed, you might still be over the legal blood alcohol limit.
Even if you feel like you are “okay” or your blood alcohol content has returned to zero, the effects of a hangover can still significantly impair your driving ability. Many traffic safety experts consider driving with a hangover to be a form of impaired driving.
Could Driving With a Hangover Effect My Ohio Car Crash Claim?
Even if your BAC is below the standard legal limit of 0.08 percent, driving with a hangover could still be considered negligent behavior. The insurance company might argue that your impaired state contributed to the accident, potentially reducing your claim amount.
For example, say another driver runs a stop sign and hits your vehicle while you had the right of way. That scenario would typically result in the other driver being at fault. However, if your hangover caused you to miss a car approaching from a side street, you might be found partially at fault for the incident. As a result, you may not get fully compensated for your damages.
Preventive Measures
Below are some preventive measures you can take to avoid driving impaired:
Avoid Driving After Drinking
If you are experiencing a severe hangover, the best course of action is to avoid driving until you have fully recovered. Arrange alternative transportation before you head out. Alternative solutions might include:
- Using a rideshare service
- Taking a taxi cab
- Appointing a designated driver
- Arranging to stay overnight locally or with a friend
- Using public transportation
It may seem inconvenient to make these arrangements before going out, but when you consider the alternative, you could be protecting yourself from serious harm.
Hydrate and Rest
Drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest can help alleviate hangover symptoms more quickly. Taking care to drink non-alcoholic fluids and eat before you start drinking can also help decrease the severity of a hangover.
Consuming electrolytes, such as what you find in various sport drinks, can help restore some of the essential minerals you lost while drinking.
These tips can help reduce the likelihood of getting into a crash while hungover. This helps to ensure a safer experience for yourself and others on the road.
Involved in a Car Accident? Call Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak
If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash due to a driver who was drunk or hungover, we encourage you to seek legal help. Like most states, Indiana has strict filing deadlines.
At Pfeifer, Morgan and Stesiak, we have staff available to take your call 24/y. We offer a free initial consultation to help you understand your legal options. If we represent you, there are no upfront costs or fees to pay. We only get paid if you do.
Milions Recovered. Proven Results Call 574-444-0741 today.
