Are there any medical reasons why drivers under the influence survive car crashes?

Question

I see on the news all the time about drunk drivers and drivers on drugs getting into car crashes and they're the ones who survive while the innocent driver of the other car usually dies. I was wondering if there were any medical reasons or proof that being under the influence of alcohol or drugs can cause you to be less likely to get seriously injured or killed in a car accident.

Answer 1

The reason why drunk drivers have a high chance of surviving is because their body is absolutely relaxed when the crash occurs. The reason why others die is because they are sober enough to realize that a crash is about to happen and they tense up. When you tense up your body, then your body is resisting the extreme force which causes extreme breaks. Also the drivers have those saftey air bags.

Answer 2

The previous answers were correct about the drunk person being relaxed when the crash occurs, but let me recommend an excellent book on this very subject: Don't Worry He Won't Get Far on Foot by John Callahan. This is a beautifully written and extremely funny story about a man who lived through a drunk driving incident. He comes through as a quadrapeligic and goes on to make his living as a cartoonist. This however is only the beginning for this talented, witty and inspiring man. This book is probably one of the top five best I've ever read.

Answer 3

although i'm not sure of why they survive, i do know why they dont experience as much injury in a car crash. drivers who are under the influence have impared reaction timing, and so would not do things such as draw up, try to cover face, etc. the non-intoxicated driver would be more likely to do those things, which could make it more difficult to get free of the wreckage. due to the injuries sustained there a lot of victims die, which may be an indirect reason as to why intoxicated drivers often survive

Answer 4

Generally it's because they are so out of it that when they lose control of the vehicle they just roll along with the movements of the car. People who are not impaired, brace themselves for the impact and sit rigid. This will cause them to get their legs caught under the engine compartment when it crumples, or they are sitting upright when it lands on the roof, etc. Drunks don't usually wear seat belts and flop around in the car and get less damage done to themselves.

Answer 5

Good question although I don't have an answer for it.