How Alcohol and Drugs Increase Red Light Accidents
While driving under the influence is illegal, many drivers feel that they are safe after having a drink or using drugs. Is this really true? How do they really perform while behind the wheel?
One study looked at drinking and driving behavior at stop signs and red lights. It examined how alcohol consumption and drinking patterns affect driving behavior specifically at intersections controlled by stop signs and red lights, which is where crashes often occur.
In the study, 28 participants underwent simulated driving sessions. The participants consisted of 14 males and 14 females between the ages of 21 and 36 years. Participants had a valid driver’s license for at least two years. Participants were excluded if there was current or past drug use involved, were pregnant, suffered from a physical or mental illness, were currently taking medication for which alcohol is contraindicated, or had been involved in substance abuse treatment services.
Participants received either a moderate alcohol dose (blood alcohol concentration around 0.08 %) or a placebo. Driving performance metrics included reaction time to yellow lights, deceleration before stop signs and red lights, vehicle speed and lateral (side‑to‑side) control. Participants were also grouped by drinking pattern (binge vs. non-binge) to explore whether prior drinking behavior moderates impairment.
The results showed that alcohol impaired basic driving control. It affected speed, lateral control, and reaction times to yellow lights. Drivers under alcohol decelerated less before stopping at stop signs and red lights, meaning they entered intersections less safely.
Interestingly, non‑binge drinkers showed more acceleration under alcohol compared to their own sober baseline, suggesting their impairment may manifest differently than frequent heavy drinkers. The authors of this study also suggest that alcohol may degrade visual performance.
This study shows that Intersections (stop signs and red lights) remain high‑risk zones when drivers are intoxicated. The findings reinforce the hazard of alcohol‑impaired driving beyond just speed or lane‑driving. They extend to complex tasks like decision making at changing lights and stop signs.
Also, there are some limitations to keep in mind. The study used a driving simulator rather than real‑world driving, which may limit how well the results translate to actual crashes. Also, the sample size (28 drivers) is modest and participants’ prior drinking patterns may not represent all demographics. In addition, the study focuses on a moderate alcohol dose (a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08%), so effects at higher or lower levels may differ.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Drivers have to follow traffic laws at all times. However, those who choose to drink and drive do not always stop at red lights.
More than 100,000 people are injured in red light accidents every year. Are you one of them?
A Houston red light accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can help you file a claim for compensation for the damages you have suffered. To schedule a consultation, call (281) 347-3247 or fill out the online form.
Source:
sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457517301367
