What characteristic do crashes involving alcohol and drugs have compared to other crashes?

Crashes involving alcohol and drugs tend to exhibit higher speeds and more severe injuries when compared to other types of crashes. The impairment caused by substances such as alcohol and drugs can lead to a lack of judgment and slowed reaction times, which often results in the driver operating the vehicle at higher speeds. This combination of reckless driving behavior and excessive speed significantly increases the likelihood of severe injuries or fatalities during a crash.

Furthermore, impaired drivers are less likely to adhere to safe driving practices, such as maintaining a safe following distance or managing their speed properly based on road conditions. This escalation in intensity of the crash, coupled with the higher impact forces involved when driving at elevated speeds, directly contributes to the severity of the injuries suffered by those involved. Understanding this dynamic is critical for defensive driving, as it emphasizes the heightened risks associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.