What Are the Consequences of Drunk Driving?
Whether you are a driver or a passenger, drunk driving can have serious consequences. Not only do drunk drivers cause accidents, but they also put other vehicles, passengers, and pedestrians at risk. These consequences include death, injury, property damage, and legal troubles. Drinking and driving e serious threats to national health.
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Alcohol use impairs vision, coordination, reaction time, and decision-making. When alcohol is in the driver’s system, it can affect motor skills and concentration. It also can cause problems with steering and impaired reaction time. In addition, the first sip of alcohol can cause a driver to be unaware of the surroundings, and the driver’s critical thinking abilities may be impaired.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 11,654 people will die in drunk driving crashes in the United States in 2020. The cost of these crashes is estimated at $49.8 billion each year. These costs do not include the cost of property damage, job loss, legal fees, and stress on relationships.
The consequences of drinking and driving can vary from state to state. In many cases, the driver will lose his or her license for some time. Depending on the severity of the offense, the driver could also face fines, jail time, license restrictions, and probation. If the driver’s driving record shows a history of DWI offenses, the penalties can be more severe. In some cases, the driver may be charged with vehicular homicide, which could result in a felony conviction and up to two years in prison.
The consequences of drunk driving can be serious, but many preventative measures can be taken. For instance, many states have implemented publicized sobriety checkpoints that can reduce crashes caused by drunk drivers. Another important prevention measure is to arrange for a sober designated driver when you go out drinking. It is also important to remember that you should never get into a car with a drunk driver. If possible, ask for a ride home or take your car keys and call a cab.
The financial cost of a DUI is estimated at $10,000 for the first offense and an additional $40,000 in increased auto insurance costs over 13 years. The cost of a DUI does not include the costs of property damage, loss of freedom, or stress on relationships.
Many people who are convicted of DUI will face legal trouble, including fines, jail time, probation, and license restrictions. These penalties vary from state to state and can be enhanced if the DUI is aggravated. In addition, there are penalties for refusing to submit to a blood alcohol concentration test. In some cases, the driver’s license will be suspended for two years if he or she refuses the test.
Drivers who drink and drive can end up with a felony record, which can be life-threatening. In addition, drivers who are convicted of drunk driving are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes. The risk of being convicted of a DUI can be reduced by spreading awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.