According to the surveys compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of fatalities in high-speed car collision cases is 41,059 for the year of 2007. It shows a slight decrease from 2006's 42,708. The number of fatalities that is related with drivers that have a blood alcohol level of .08 (considered the legal limit in most states) is 14,575. On the other hand, the number of fatalities related to drivers with a blood alcohol level of .01 is 17,036.

Numbers don't lie

Based on the statistics, there are many fatalities involved in high-speed car collision cases involving people with a blood alcohol level of .01, which is within the legal limit. The fact is that people respond differently to alcohol. While some people will feel nothing much at a blood alcohol level of .01, some people might register some form of impairment, which will affect their driving.

Since alcohol does not affect everyone the same way, law enforcement officers may still arrest drivers even if their blood alcohol level is lower than the legal limit. They may do this if they see probable cause based on the behavior of the driver.

Studies show that at a blood alcohol level of .02, some people already exhibit loss in judgment that comes with the relaxed feeling. Some people have difficulties with multitasking at a blood level of .02, and some register a decline in their reaction time than when they are sober.

At a .05 blood alcohol level, some people exhibit exaggerated behavior and a decrease in muscle control. At .08, some people already have an impaired sense of danger. They have a hard time judging the speed of other vehicles, make decisions, controlling themselves, and remembering things.

High-speed car collision accidents are prevalent, and are especially devastating when it involves a minor behind the wheel. Of course, nobody will readily admit to pressuring someone to drink and drive, but the pressure is in overestimating your capacity as a driver after drinking. Downplaying the physical effects of alcohol is a product of peer pressure in teens, and is something that happens all too often.

Here are a few tips that will help prevent high-speed car collision incidents involving drunk drivers:

?Bartenders may suggest the drunken patron to leave his or her car keys with the manager to make sure that the car will not be towed away. Bar owners may device a system where patrons may have this option

?Offer to call a cab so that the person will not drive anymore

?Offer to call relatives or friends to pick up the person. If you are his or her friend, you may want to offer driving him or her home

?Before going to a bar or party, have a designated driver who will refrain from drinking

Even if heavy drinkers boast of their high tolerance when it comes to drinking, the fact is that drinking impairs you on some level. The safest blood alcohol level before getting behind the wheel remains to be .00 percent.

If you have been involved in a high-speed car collision involving the negligence of a drunk driver, consult with a lawyer right away so you can be guided in filing the appropriate charges.