Riding a motorcycle has become increasingly more popular with the rising gas prices. While it may be cost-effective, there are some risks involved that many people do not consider before they jump on their hog and hit the open road. They were riding while intoxicated, which is one of the most significant risks that more motorcyclists need to be aware of.
There are many reasons why you should never ride a motorcycle while intoxicated. To help you understand the importance of never getting on a motorbike while under the influence of alcohol, here are some of the risks you should be aware of.
It Is Against The Law
First and foremost, driving drunk is illegal. If you are caught riding a motorcycle while intoxicated, you could face federal or state charges for it. Depending on where you were arrested, your case could go to trial if it goes through enough rounds in court. If you live in LA, you should know that you could be charged with a misdemeanor if caught riding your bike under the influence.
On the other hand, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of a drunk driver, you should consider contacting a local attorney to hear your options. You can find more about legal counsel for motorcycle accidents if you click here to ensure your rights are protected. Regardless of the circumstances, if you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you should find a reputable and experienced attorney to help you with your case and fight for your rights.
You Won’t Have Full Control Of Your Motorcycle
Having a blood alcohol concentration of .08% or higher is considered driving while intoxicated in most states. When you’re under the influence, you will be less likely to have complete control over your motorcycle and operate it in a safe, responsible manner. This is because your motor skills, coordination, and concentration will all be impaired, putting you in danger. Losing control of your bike entirely may cause a crash, which could lead to severe injuries. Of course, there are going to be accidents whether you ride drunk or sober, but you want to make sure those accidents aren’t taking place due to your negligence.
Your Reaction Time Will Be Slower
Your reaction time is going to be slower when you’re overly intoxicated. If a car swerved into your lane, you wouldn’t have enough time to react and avoid the collision. Likewise, you must ensure that other drivers can see you by turning your headlights on at night or during inclement weather conditions. Failure to do so could cause a severe accident as well.
Additionally, if you get yourself involved in an accident while intoxicated, even if it wasn’t your fault, it is most likely that you will be held accountable for it. Remember, even if you’re hurt in the accident, your injuries may be your fault due to negligence. If this is the case, you need to know what types of compensation are available to you so that you can seek out legal counsel on how to get them.
Your Insurance Might Not Cover Your Potential Injuries
If you are injured in an accident where it’s your fault, your insurance company may not cover the associated costs. If this happens, you must pay out of pocket for any medical expenses. Losses can be substantial if the injuries are so severe that they require surgeries or hospital stays that last month or even years.
The same goes for covering your vehicle. Your insurance company may not pay for a new one or the necessary repairs if it’s totaled. This could dent your bank account even if you have health insurance to cover medical bills and other losses. Additionally, when you’re riding a motorcycle, whether drunk or sober, your chances of getting into an accident go up significantly, and this means that your insurance premiums will go up as well. Thus, it may cause higher rates for you in the future.
You’ll Have A Bad DUI Record
In addition to risking your safety and well-being, as well as those around you, riding under the influence will leave an even worse mark on your record. Depending on how many times you have been arrested for driving drunk, as well as other factors such as whether this is your first offense or not, you may end up suffering from acquiring a DUI (driving under the influence) conviction that will appear on your DMV record.
This is going to make finding employment difficult for you. If you have been involved in an accident while under the influence, that’s another black mark on your record that will make it more difficult to find employment down the road due to employers’ fear of hiring people who have a history of negligent behavior.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as you can see, driving under the influence may put you and those around you at risk. Not only are you risking severe injury, but you’re also leaving yourself open to the possibility of your motorcycle becoming damaged and you ending up with a DUI conviction that will make it impossible to find employment in the future. Therefore, keep these things in mind next time you are tempted to ride drunk and choose to do the responsible thing instead of calling a cab or riding with a sober friend.
The financial consequences of drunk riding can be devastating. Your insurance may refuse to cover the costs of accidents or injuries, leaving you with hefty bills to pay out of pocket. A DUI conviction can also haunt your record for years, making it harder to find employment or secure affordable insurance rates in the future.
So, the next time you’re tempted to hop on your motorcycle after a few drinks, remember the risks you’re taking. Choose to find a sober ride home or wait until you’re completely clear-headed before hitting the road. Your safety, and the safety of those around you, depends on it.
