Driving under the influence (DUI) is a huge problem in most parts of the world. Even though driving while drunk is dangerous and illegal, many people are ignorant of these facts.
Think about it, every 50 minutes, someone loses their life on American roads as a result of driving while impaired.
Those are terrifying statistics!
If you have never gotten involved in an accident while driving while intoxicated, you should thank your lucky stars. But most importantly, you should never do it again for these obvious reasons.
1. Alcohol Impairs Your Judgment
Like other drugs, alcohol is a depressant that affects your judgment. Sadly, you might think that you are only a few drinks in, but in reality, you may be more drunk than you think.
When you get behind the wheel knowing you’ve had a lot to drink, understand that it increases your risk of getting involved in an accident.
Alcohol also affects coordination and concentration, which is dangerous to you and other motorists.
2. It Can Cost Lives
Drinking while driving doesn’t just put your life at risk but also risks the lives of those in the vehicle with you, pedestrians, and other motorists. It’s considered murder when you unintentionally kill someone while driving under the influence.
Think of all the innocent lives you may be risking by driving while compromised.
Some burdens aren’t worth carrying, especially if you can avoid them by finding other means of transport when drunk. Ridesharing services, for instance, make it easy for anyone to stay away from drunk driving.
3. You Might Face Legal Consequences
Drunk driving with a blood and alcohol concentration of 0.08% and above is illegal. You most likely face a few nights in jail and a fine if you get arrested.
However, if you cause someone else harm, you may end up in prison besides other consequences like driving suspension, lawsuits, and hefty fines.
If you’re a victim of an accident yourself because someone chose to drive under the influence, realize that there are legal routes you can pursue. As JT Legal Group suggests, start with hiring a car accident attorney to stand by your side.
4. You Lose Lots of Money
Driving under the influence is expensive. You will pay for the ticket and the fines, court fees, and penalties caused by the destruction of property and injury of other persons. Also, you will be forced to pay for reinstating your licenses, which doesn’t come cheap.
DUIs stay in your record for long periods that will also cost you massive amounts of money, not to mention paying for lawyers and other legal procedures.
In addition, the cost of acquiring medical attention is high, especially when you do not have medical insurance to cover the medical bills.
5. DUIs Affect Insurance Premiums
DUIs increase your insurance premium because you have a high chance of getting involved in an accident. If you get arrested for drunk driving, your insurance company may classify you as a high risk, causing your insurance to increase or even cancel your policy altogether.
6. You Might Get Fired from Your Job
Many employers take DUIs seriously as it directly or indirectly affects the company’s reputation, especially the prestigious ones. Most of these companies do not tolerate reckless behavior, and when found guilty of driving while intoxicated, the companies may be forced to cut you loose.
DUIs also decrease your chances of getting employed again because many companies run background checks and will easily access your criminal records.
Also, you risk losing your professional license if you are found guilty of driving while intoxicated.
7.It is Not Worth It
There is a high risk of getting involved in an accident when you drive while intoxicated, which may harm yourself and others, and it is not worth it. It is not worth risking your life, your job, and the lives of other innocent people.
Conclusion
The next time you want to have a little fun and plan on getting drunk, make sure you either have a designated driver or a friend or family member on speed dial. If you do not have anyone to call, you can order an Uber or hail a cab to take you home instead of risking your life and that of others.
