Riding a motorcycle gives you a sense of freedom that is hard to replicate. The feeling of power over the road and wind in your hair is unmatched. However, it is important to remember that with great power comes great responsibility. One of those responsibilities is to never ride while under the influence.

Riding a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol is highly dangerous and can lead to severe legal consequences. Impaired riding not only endangers you but also puts other people on the road in danger.

Reduced Reaction Time

To safely operate a motorcycle, it’s crucial to have very fast reaction times. Compared to cars, motorcycles are riskier and leave you more exposed to external threats and conditions.

If someone rides a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their ability to react is significantly reduced. This increases the likelihood of accidents and potentially fatal injuries because the rider cannot react quickly enough to potential hazards. Research indicates that impairment from drugs or alcohol can reduce reaction times by up to 40%, making it much more difficult for riders to avoid serious accidents. Many states have laws against impaired driving, and being caught could result in heavy fines or even imprisonment. It’s not worth risking the consequences, even if it might seem appealing at the moment.

Impaired Vision

It’s important to understand that riding a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol can affect your ability to see clearly. Substance use can lead to reduced visual acuity and visual field, making it difficult to accurately judge the speed of approaching vehicles or any other hazards on the road.

When you’re under the influence of drugs or alcohol, bright light can affect you more, even sunlight passing through trees and clouds might be too bright while riding a motorcycle. This temporary blindness can be another risk while riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Effects On Depth Perception

The consumption of drugs and alcohol can affect your ability to judge distances while riding, which can make it difficult to navigate around obstacles, stay in your lane, and avoid collisions with other vehicles.

Delayed Reaction Time

Using drugs or alcohol can slow down your reaction time, which can be particularly risky if you are riding a motorcycle at high speeds. If unexpected obstacles or dangers arise, being under the influence of substances increases the likelihood of serious harm if you cannot react swiftly enough.

Lack Of Coordination

It is important to know that riding a motorcycle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only against the law but also extremely risky. Consuming these substances can greatly impair your coordination and lead to serious consequences.

Your capacity to change gears, make turns and stop your vehicle on time will greatly decrease due to impairments from being under the influence. This can be a potential threat to your safety and the safety of other drivers on the road. The consumption of drugs and alcohol can lead to slower reaction times, thereby increasing the possibility of a collision if another car suddenly appears or a pedestrian unexpectedly crosses the road in front of you.

Overconfidence

Riding a motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol comes with another big risk: overconfidence. This means that you may feel more daring and reckless while riding, which can potentially lead to fatal consequences.

The consumption of alcohol and drugs can impact your judgment and reflexes, which can lead to making bad decisions and potentially dangerous outcomes. This danger is particularly elevated for motorcyclists facing higher risks due to reduced visibility and other factors.

It’s essential to understand that even when you feel confident, your abilities are still affected. Alcohol and drugs can slow down your reaction time, as well as your balance and coordination, which can impair your ability to make swift decisions. You may not realize that you’re impaired, but you could find it challenging to take appropriate actions in an emergency or react fast enough, thus increasing the risk of an accident or injury.

It is important to refrain from consuming drugs or alcohol when riding a motorcycle as it can lead to dangerous situations on the road, even if you feel confident. The impairments caused by drugs or alcohol may prevent you from anticipating or reacting promptly.

The Risk Of Higher Insurance Rates

If you are caught riding a motorcycle while under the influence, your insurance rates can increase even without injury. It’s important to note that riding a motorcycle under the influence can also be dangerous for your safety and life.

Riders who have been convicted of DUI or DWI while riding a motorcycle should expect a substantial increase in insurance premiums. Statistics show these increases can range from 25% to 400% based on the severity of the offense and the state they reside in.

Motorcyclists are viewed as high-risk drivers by insurers, which means getting a DUI or DWI would increase rates even further. Aside from that, you would face fines for drinking and driving that range from small fees to thousands of dollars, as well as community service hours or jail time. It’s simply not worth it!

Contact An Experienced Sarasota Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you experience a motorcycle accident in Sarasota, it is recommended to seek assistance from a skilled motorcycle accident lawyer.

At Christine Law, we take a comprehensive approach to each case and will work hard to:

  • Obtain a settlement from your insurance company that is in your best interest
  • Determine the responsible parties who might have caused the accident
  • Help you obtain medical treatment if needed
  • Seek the maximum compensation possible to cover medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain, and suffering.

At Christine Law, we understand how challenging it can be to go about your claims and prove your side. You may not know where to turn or what to do next, but speaking with a Sarasota personal injury attorney is always a good first step. A qualified attorney will know how to investigate your car accident and collect the necessary evidence for a successful personal injury lawsuit. Plus, it costs you nothing! At Christine Law, P.A. we provide free consultations 7 days a week. Don’t wait! If you’ve been in an accident, call us immediately at (941) 548-9555.