You already know that it is very unsafe to operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. However, many don’t realize that it is also extremely dangerous to walk in a busy area when intoxicated. Many pedestrian accidents occur when pedestrians are drunk and trying to walk home because they believe that doing so is the responsible decision.
There are numerous ways you can limit your chances of being harmed in such an accident. For example, you can use technology to help you stay safe. The following are a few examples of how you may do so:
Download a Ride-Hailing App
This is one of the simplest but most effective steps you can take to minimize your chances of being harmed in a pedestrian accident. If you are intoxicated and thinking about walking home, it’s much smarter to schedule a ride with Uber or a similar service. That said, if you don’t already have an app for such a service on your phone, in your intoxicated state, you might decide that it would take too much time to download the app and set up an account.
Avoid this by proactively downloading a few ride-hailing apps on your phone and setting up your accounts now. Once these apps are already on your phone, you won’t have any excuse not to use them when doing so could play a critical role in your personal safety.
Buy a Small Breathalyzer
Some consumer breathalyzers are so small that they can be used as keychains. These breathalyzers may not be as accurate as those used by law enforcement, but they can help you stay safe if you’re out at the bar or any other such setting where you may be drinking.
When you’re having fun with friends, it can sometimes be difficult to determine just how intoxicated you are at the end of the night. The adrenaline and excitement you feel can cloud your judgment.
Thus, it’s helpful to have a small breathalyzer on hand. By quickly checking your blood alcohol content, you can easily determine whether you’re sober enough to walk home safely, or whether you should arrange for another means of transportation.
Use a BAC Calculator App
It’s important to remember that consumer breathalyzers and BAC calculator apps are not error-proof. If you have any reason to believe that you are intoxicated, do not drive home or walk home alone.
Regardless, while you may appreciate the value of being able to check your BAC at the end of a night out, you might feel embarrassed blowing into a breathalyzer when surrounded by other people. If so, another option is to download a BAC calculator app. Every time you take a drink, enter it into the app. The app will account for such factors as your gender, weight, and the amount of time that has elapsed to estimate what your BAC is. If it’s relatively high, schedule a ride home instead of walking, even if you feel sober.
All that said, even if you exercise caution and do your best to avoid being harmed in a pedestrian accident, you can’t prevent others from being negligent. If you are ever injured in a Los Angeles pedestrian accident resulting from someone else’s carelessness, get in touch with the Law Offices of Howard Kornberg. A Los Angeles pedestrian accident attorney will review your case and discuss your legal options. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 310-997-0904 to schedule your free consultation.
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