According to researchers from the University of California, San Diego, even the smallest amount of alcohol could significantly increase the risk for auto accidents. Results from a study conducted by the UCSD researchers found that drivers with blood alcohol content (BAC) of .01 percent, which is below the legal limit in California, were 46 percent more likely to be at fault for a fatal car accident.

According to the study, which was published in the journal Injury Prevention, a driver’s risk for causing a fatal accident increases with each drink; however, even the slightest amount of alcohol increases the chance that he or she may cause an accident.

The researchers said they based their conclusions on an evaluation of 570,731 fatal car accidents that occurred between 1994 and 2011. They used data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which includes the BAC of each driver involved in car accidents.

This new study fuels efforts by the National Transportation Safety Board (NHTSA) to lower the legal BAC limit to .05 percent. According to NHTSA, people with .08 percent have a 169 percent greater risk of being involved in an accident than those with zero alcohol in their systems.

Anyone injured in an accident involving a drunk driver can seek compensation for damages via a personal injury lawsuit. San Diego personal injury lawyer Melinda Helbock represents individuals and families affected by drunk drivers and can help you seek justice in your case. To learn more, contact us today.