Two Arizona Cities Recognized for Highest Alcohol Consumption
While statistics may show a welcome downward trend in the number of alcohol-related car accident fatalities, over ten thousand families will lose a family member this year alone due to drunk driving (MADD 2010). A recent study released tallied the 40 “drunkest cities” in America, and two of Arizona’s biggest cities made the cut (ABC 15 12/31/10).
Phoenix was ranked in 34th place and Tucson placed 26th. The list calculated the average alcohol consumption over a month, highest levels of binge drinking, and the number of people with alcoholic liver disease. The average person in Tucson has 12.57 drinks per month while the average person in Phoenix has 11.33 drinks per month.
Although alcohol absorption varies from person to person and depends on several variables, with a blood alcohol concentration at the legal limit drivers may experience an impairment in balance, vision, reaction time, and hearing; all senses vital to driving safely.
Even with a BAC between .04-.06 leaves drivers with an impairment of reason, memory, and reduced caution.
With such heavy drinking taking place in the state, it is important for drivers to be aware. Authorities and others try to keep impaired drivers off the roads but unfortunately accidents still occur. If you notice a car in your vicinity that is driving erratically, either too fast or too slow, tailgating, drifting lanes, or having a general disregard to traffic signs, it is quite possible you are dealing with an impaired driver. Leave a lot of space between you and take a different route, if possible. Also be sure to notify your local authorities with the license plate to have the driver stopped.
If you or a loved one have been the unfortunate victims of a negligent drunk driver, please don’t hesitate to call us at Breyer Law for your free consultation. We may be able to help you at (480) 753-4534.
