Final answer:
Driving under the influence increases your chances of being in an accident by 4-7 times. Alcohol and drugs impair coordination, reaction time, judgment, and perception, making it difficult to drive safely.
Step-by-step explanation:
Driving under the influence increases your chances of being in an accident by several times. According to various studies, the risk of being involved in an accident increases approximately 4-7 times when driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This is because alcohol and drugs impair your coordination, reaction time, judgment, and perception, making it difficult to drive safely.
For example, a study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs found that drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% (legal limit for driving in many countries) were 7 times more likely to be in a fatal crash compared to completely sober drivers. Another study published in the British Journal of Medicine found that drivers with any amount of alcohol in their system were 4 times more likely to be involved in a crash compared to sober drivers.
Therefore, it is imperative to never drink and drive or use drugs before getting behind the wheel to ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road.