Massachusetts Personal Injury Library
The Dangers of Operating a Motorcycle After Drinking Alcohol (Part A)
Drunk driving ads are broadcast widely on TV, billboards, and the radio. While advertisements detailing the dangers of operating a motorcycle while drunk aren’t as widespread, bikers should note that the risks involved with drinking and riding are even more substantial.
Blood Alcohol content (BAC) Level
Every drink you ingest raises your blood alcohol content level by approximately .02%.
There is some variation according to gender, weight, and other factors, but the important thing to remember is that just one drink is enough to increase the potential for a motorcycle fatality.
According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, when a rider’s blood alcohol level reaches a BAC of .08%, even simple tasks cannot be handled without some level of error. For most people, .08% is reached after only four drinks.
How Alcohol Affects the Body
Many people are unaware that alcohol is a depressant. Depressants slow down the central nervous system, which in turn affects the body in several different ways.
Judgment
The first thing to go is judgment. This is particularly important because the loss of judgment plays a key role in slowing the mind’s decision making abilities.
A sober biker would recognize that an extra drink could be the difference between getting home safely and a motorcycle accident. After a few beers, glasses of wine, or servings of liquor, however, that distinction suddenly becomes blurred.
Balance
After judgment, the next toll alcohol takes on the body affects balance.
While balance is an important park of driving a car, it’s an essential component of operating a motorcycle. If a rider is inebriated, he won’t have the balance needed to keep the motorcycle upright, especially in a turning situation.
That’s why alcohol is involved in a high percentage of cases in which bikers run off the road.
If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Boston you should contact a Massachusetts injury attorney immediately to learn about your legal rights and determine liability.
Continue to The Dangers of Operating a Motorcycle After Drinking Alcohol (Part B) >>
