According to the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, excessive alcohol use is a primary cause of preventable death among Americans. In fact, irresponsible drinking resulted in approximately 88,000 deaths each year between 2006 and 2010.
Drinking and driving is probably the first thing most people think of when they think of irresponsible alcohol consumption. While it does claim a significant number of lives, especially in the summer, it is not the only way too much alcohol can kill you. The following are some other popular warm-weather activities that don’t mix with alcohol.
Dangers of Boating Under the Influence
Anyone operating a boat with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher is legally Boating Under the Influence (BUI). BUI is responsible for about 34 percent of deadly boat accidents each year, and those who operate a boat under the influence are 10 times more likely to be killed in a boating accident than someone who is sober. The sun and wind, along with the boat’s motion and engine noise all work together to intensify the effects of alcohol, which add up to a potentially deadly drinking and boating experience.
Drinking and Riding
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has determined that motorcyclists involved in deadly crashes are 2.5 times more likely to have been drinking than drivers of passenger vehicles. Studies have shown that a BAC of as little as .01-.04% decreases a rider’s abilities and diminishes their inhibitions. Sadly, nearly 46 percent of riders killed in collisions have some alcohol in their system according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Drinking and Driving
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that alcohol-impaired motorists cause twice as many fatal accidents in the summer months as they do during all the other months of the year combined, with Memorial Day and the Fourth of July being the most deadly.
Dangers of Day Drinking
Summer is the time for outdoor social gatherings. Between barbeques, beach vacations, and long, lazy days spent at the pool, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and have a drink or two. Unfortunately, even if you are not operating some kind of motorized vehicle, there are some hidden dangers to daytime drinking during the summer.
In a relaxed atmosphere you may be more likely to drink longer and lose track of how many you’ve had. Not only will this make you more accident prone, but on a hot sunny day, it can quickly lead to dehydration, terrible sunburn, or heat stroke.
Contact Boulder Car Accident Attorneys
If you or someone you love is injured by another person's negligence in Boulder, Broomfield, Longmont, Westminster, or anywhere in the State of Colorado, you need an experienced Boulder personal injury lawyer on your side. The injury attorneys at Goff & Goff, LLC are available 24/7 to review your case.