Drunk Walking Increases the Likelihood of Deadly Pedestrian Accidents in Alaska
Alaska DUI laws provide for extremely harsh penalties and a driver’s license suspension when motorists choose to get behind the wheel after a few drinks. The risk of serious auto crashes is also a drunk driving deterrent. However, not as many people think about the dangers of drunk walking. Statistics from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) are shocking, as approximately one-third of all fatalities in pedestrian accidents involve impairment: These victims all had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08% or higher, which is the legal limit for operating a vehicle in Alaska.
While avoiding a DUI is a good reason to get around by foot, you are still at risk of serious injuries after a few drinks. Plus, being intoxicated does have an impact on your rights when you pursue the at-fault motorist for damages. An Alaska pedestrian accident lawyer can help overcome challenges with a concept termed “contributory negligence,” though you should also understand what happens to your body when drunk.
Effects of Alcohol on the Human Body
It does not matter whether you are walking, driving, or riding a bike: Alcohol impacts your physical abilities, judgment, and reasoning, making it more difficult to pay attention to other vehicles, react to traffic threats, and exercise reasonable care to protect your own safety. For instance:
- After just one drink, you may have difficulties tracking vehicles and paying attention to traffic signals. Plus, alcohol inspires you to take risks, such as crossing against the light or jaywalking.
- A few more cocktails could put you at .08% BAC, at which point you may experience blurred vision, loss of balance, and a lack of muscle coordination. You may not be aware of your surroundings and may trip or stumble.
- When your BAC hits .15%, you may be unable to walk and your legs may give, causing you to fall in front of a fast-moving vehicle. Your ability to detect and respond to risks is severely diminished, you may black-out, and you could start vomiting.
Contributory Negligence and Alaska Pedestrian Accidents
State personal injury laws apply when a person on foot is struck by a vehicle, and the focus is negligence. You may be eligible for compensation if you can prove that the at-fault motorist caused the pedestrian accident by failing to drive safely.
However, negligence principles also apply to victims. If you failed to keep yourself safe and your actions contributed to the pedestrian accident, your compensation will be reduced. Drunk walking might be considered an example that could be used against you. Alaska’s law contributory negligence operates to reduce monetary damages by the amount of fault attributed to you, on a percentage basis.
An Alaska Pedestrian Accident Attorney Will Help With Challenges
Impairment has implications for your safety while walking, and you can see that it may affect your compensation in a pedestrian accident claim. To learn how our team can assist, please contact Power & Power Law. You can schedule a free consultation by calling our Anchorage offices at 907-222-9990 or visiting us online.