Drunk driving continues to be a terrible problem on California roads. Although the penalties for drunk driving are tough enough to discourage many people from driving after drinking, not everyone worries about the consequences. However, the financial and possibly criminal penalties for drunk driving may come down on such drivers.

The frightening risks of drunk driving

Those wondering about how dangerous drunk drivers are could look at statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal entity reveals that 28 people die in drunk driving-related collisions each day. That means the annual figure of fatalities exceeds 10,000 deaths.

A driver may think they can operate a vehicle without problems after having a few drinks, but such an attitude may prove fatal. Alcohol and drugs impair perceptions and could decrease reaction time. Not only could such factors make avoiding a collision difficult, but they might also contribute to causing a crash.

Drunk driving crashes and liability claims

Drunk drivers who cause motor vehicle accidents might face liability claims. Some drivers might think that they aren't too intoxicated to drive as long as their blood alcohol concentration is below the legal limit of 0.08%. However, they may still face credible negligence claims even with a lower BAC level.

Drivers under the influence may commit moving violations that cause accidents. If a driver goes through a red light and hits another car, the driver could face a negligence claim regardless of BAC.

A personal injury lawsuit might allow accident victims to recover losses from property damage or physical injuries. In the worst-case scenario, surviving family members may take legal action after a wrongful death.