Emergency medical personnel have observed that drunk drivers are more likely to survive major collisions compared to sober drivers. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but there are some factors that contribute to this phenomenon.
How Sober Drivers Brace for Impact
Sober motor vehicle operators often instinctively brace themselves for impact in anticipation of a collision. They may jam their foot on the brake, tightly grip the steering wheel, or even brace a hand against the roof during a roll-over accident. These actions result in muscle constriction and increased tension throughout their body.
Impact of Muscle Constriction
Muscle constriction caused by bracing can actually decrease the distance over which deceleration occurs during an accident. This shorter deceleration distance increases the likelihood of injury as it subjects various body parts to higher forces upon impact.
Benefits of an Intoxicated Driver’s “Soft Catching”
On the other hand, evidence suggests that drunk drivers tend not to exhibit this same level of tension and muscle constriction while driving under influence. As a result, they experience less constricted muscles upon impact during an accident. This is known as soft catching.
Soft catching reduces and distributes force throughout different parts of their bodies instead of concentrating it in one area due to muscle tenseness. It’s believed that this has benefits when it comes to survival chances in drunk driving accidents.
Collisions Involve Three Impacts
Vehicle collisions usually involve three impacts: the first is between the vehicle and an object, the second between the occupants and the interior of the vehicle, and finally, a third impact within the occupant and their internal organs.
Sober individuals who tense up in anticipation of a crash tend to experience these second and third impacts more closely together, which can increase their risk of personal injury. Here’s how this works:
When an individual tenses up at the moment of impact in anticipation or bracing for collision as a sober person might do, it can result in sudden deceleration. This sudden deceleration can lead to concentrated forces being applied to specific areas of their body.
One concern is that these concentrated forces generated by tensing are not given enough time or space to dissipate throughout different areas. As a result, serious injuries may occur due to this concentration, which doesn’t happen when an intoxicated individual doesn’t have the time to tense up.
Some Evidence Suggests Drunk Drivers Are Less Likely To Die In Car Accidents
It has been suggested that drunk drivers may be less likely to die from injuries sustained in a crash compared to sober drivers. This theory proposes that it is not necessarily the severity of the injury itself but rather the body’s response to the injury which determines survival.
Alcohol consumption has numbing effects on the body, which can potentially reduce physical reactions and responses to trauma. This numbing effect could contribute to preventing fatal outcomes by blunting pain and reducing the immediate physiological responses that can actually slow down healing.
The Dangers of Driving Drunk Shouldn’t Be Ignored
However, it is essential to emphasize that this should not be interpreted as an endorsement or encouragement of drunk driving. The risks associated with impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and other negative consequences far outweigh any potential benefits.
Contact a Lawyer If You’ve Been Injured By a Drunk Driver
If you have been involved in a car accident where the other party was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may have legal rights to pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. It is essential to seek professional legal guidance from a Fresno car accident lawyer in these situations.
For help, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.