Driving Under the Influence: The Devastating Consequences of Drunk Driving

In the modern world rideshare companies such as Uber and Lyft, as well as autonomous driving companies like Waymo and Zoo, are plentiful. There is truly no excuse to get behind the wheel of a car after having some drinks, yet many people still make this fateful choice. On average, 32% of traffic fatalities are alcohol related in the United States which goes to show just how much of a danger drunk driving still is. Before making a decision you will regret for the rest of your life, learn the serious consequences of driving under the influence.

Getting behind the wheel of a car while you have been drinking is a bad idea for a number of reasons, but there are three main reasons why you should think twice besides the fact it’s illegal:

Impaired judgment and coordination

The way alcohol interacts with your brain causes a serious impact on your motor skills, meaning you will have reduced reaction time behind the wheel. This impact on your reaction time means that you will also have difficulty maintaining control of your vehicle, especially if quick action is required. Finally, this impairment may also make you believe you are capable of pulling off a turn or changing lanes when, in reality, you are completely unable to.

Increased risk of accidents

Driving under the influence can increase your risk of accidents for several reasons. Beyond the impairment of judgment discussed above, alcohol tends to cause drivers to either speed or go extremely slow on the road. Given the fact that 30% of fatal car accidents are attributed to speeding, it should go without saying why this is a bad idea. Alcohol can also impair your vision which makes it more difficult to see the road as you are driving.

The potential for fatalities

Given the fact that alcohol drastically changes how a driver handles the road, it opens the door to a higher potential for fatalities. Whether that be due to speeding, not seeing a pedestrian, or simply making a poor maneuver on the road, alcohol can cause many deaths on the road.

If the dangers described above were not enough to deter you from making the poor choice to drink and drive, perhaps the legal consequences are: 

• DUI charges and penalties: There are different levels of DUI offenses (e.g., misdemeanor, felony) that will come with associated penalties, including fines, jail time, and license suspensions which can last months or years

• License suspension or revocation: As mentioned, your license may be suspended which can cause you to lose driving privileges that help you with daily life and employment

• Criminal record: Finally, the long-term consequences of a DUI conviction can have lasting impacts on your employment, housing, and education decisions. They can also increase your insurance premiums and make it more challenging to get car insurance.

Beyond the legal implications, getting behind the wheel drunk and causing an accident can take a serious personal and emotional toll on your mind and body. If you inadvertently take a life due to a crash, the physical and emotional trauma for the victim and their family can weigh heavily on your mind. Even if the person involved in the accident survives, they may have lasting injuries that permanently affect their way of living. 

There will also be financial burdens associated with a crash such as medical expenses, legal fees, and lost income which can have a lasting economic impact on your state of living. All this doesn’t even cover the social consequences you will face for causing a drunk driving accident. Whether it’s an inability to find housing or stable employment, getting behind the wheel drunk can ruin your life in more ways than one.

Practice responsible driving anytime you leave the house

As a general rule of thumb, always order a taxi or rideshare even if you’ve only had a single drink and are certain you are under the limit. There is no reason to risk your safety or the safety of others just because you think you are capable of getting behind the wheel. The legal and personal consequences of drunk driving are severe and can lead to life-long challenges and repercussions. If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of a drunk driver, reach out to an accredited attorney to discuss your case as soon as possible.