Most everyone has heard of car crashes caused by drunk drivers where the impaired driver emerges with only cuts and bruises while those in other vehicles suffer serious or fatal injuries.
There are physiological reasons for why this sometimes happens. As you might suspect, it has a lot to do with the drunk (or drugged) driver simply being more relaxed when a collision occurs and sometimes not even realizing that it’s about to occur – especially if they’re distracted on top of being under the influence.
The effect on the body of bracing for impact
Even if a driver and their passengers (assuming they aren’t impaired) are only aware of an impending collision a split second before the vehicles collide, that’s long enough for their bodies to brace for impact. A driver will probably grab the steering wheel to turn away from the vehicle coming at them. They may quickly hit the accelerator or brake. Passengers may reach out and grab the dashboard, seatback or someone more vulnerable (like a child) in the vehicle.
All of this involves constriction of the muscles and an overall tensing up of their entire body. This gives the body less ability to absorb the energy of the crash’s impact and their body’s own impact against the interior of the car and increases the chances of suffering serious external as well as internal injuries.
One nurse advises that if you realize you’re about to be hit or to collide with another vehicle, “Try to relax as best as possible and don’t try to control your body or grab for anything.” That’s certainly far easier said than done in the moment.
If you have suffered serious injuries or a loved one has been killed by an impaired driver, that driver may face serious criminal consequences. However, you also have the right to pursue compensation for medical costs and other expenses and damages in civil court. It’s wise to get legal guidance before you agree to any settlement to ensure that you’re getting fair compensation for your losses.
