Driving Hung-Over
The statistics about the risks of drunk driving are well publicized: the higher your blood alcohol content, the greater your chances are of being involved in a car crash. Fewer people, however, are aware of the dangers of driving with a hangover, the aftereffects of drinking that may be felt the next day. It is not a topic that has been widely studied, but initial research suggests hung-over driving has its own risks.
If you have been accused of driving while impaired by drugs or alcohol, you could be facing steep legal penalties, including the loss of your driver’s license. For the assistance you need in protecting your rights, call Rhode Island DUI lawyer Matthew Marin at 401-622-9006.
The Safety and Legal Risks of Hung-Over Driving
A recent study conducted at England’s Brunel University suggests that hung-over drivers commit twice as many traffic offenses as drivers who are in better health. This may be linked to several common symptoms of a hangover, including:
- Lightheadedness and concentration difficulties
- Distracting pains like headaches, stomachaches, and thirst
- Increased irritability and aggression
- Fatigue caused by sleep interruptions
- Increased sensitivity to light
These changes in your driving are not only a danger to your safety. They can also carry serious legal consequences. Even if you no longer feel intoxicated, your BAC may be above the legal limit. Even if it is not, if the police decide that you are significantly impaired by your condition, you may still be vulnerable to charges of DUI.
A DUI conviction can cause its own set of headaches, including a criminal record, increased car insurance costs, jail time, and heavy fines. If you have been pulled over for driving while impaired, our Rhode Island DUI defense law firm can defend you intelligently and aggressively.
Contact Us
Rhode Island DUI defense attorney Matthew Marin has a strong record of defending people in DWI and other criminal cases. Contact our offices at 401-622-9006 to learn how we can help you.
