Effects of Driving Under the Influence

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Effects of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs

On January 21, 2007, Hannah McBryde age 18, Abigail McBryde age 17 and Dale Oxendine age 1 all natives of North Carolina was heading home from church in Abigail's 2004 Dodge Neon. Then out of no where this 2003 Mercedes Benz driven by Frank Davidson age 43 of Lancaster, SC collided with them on US 15-401 about 1 mile from North of Mccoll, SC. Unfortunately, Hannah and Dale died at the scene and Abigail died later at Carolina's Medical Center in Charlotte, NC. Authorities stated that Davidson had cocaine in his system at the time of the accident. A couple weeks later Davidson pleaded guilty to four counts of DUI's and could face up to 90 years in prison.

Driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is the most dangerous thing a person could do. Driving under the influence also called (DUI) refers to drunk driving and driving under the influence of illegal drugs. A person that drink alcohol or use drugs and drive put their passengers, other drivers and themselves in danger. Alcohol is a depressant that slows down our body reactions and the working of our brain. It also causes poor coordination, double vision and decrease of self control. Drugs also causes the brain to function improperly. It causes increased heart rate, paranoia and drowsiness. At a certain point a driver can become intoxicated and their vehicle could be pulled over for suspicious DUI. The officer may ask you if you have consumed any alcohol or drugs.

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Then, ask you to submit a breath test. Many people do not realize that drinking alcohol or using drugs at events leads to fatal accidents, fines and penalties, jail time and possible termination of their driver’s license. According to United States DUI Laws, in South Carolina it is against the law to drive with a BAC, which is your Blood Alcohol Content above .08. CHART: In 2006 there were 1,037 fatal accidents in South...