Vehicle Safety: Drunk Driving

Accidents resulting from drunk driving occur every single day in the United States, causing an average of 28 deaths. According to the National Highway Safety Transportation Administration, there were 9,967 deaths in 2014. People drive drunk an average of over 300,000 times a day in the United States, but fewer than 4,000 are arrested for it according to the FBI. When you are involved in an accident, it affects more than just yourself. It will affect your family financially as well as emotionally, and if there is another people involved, their families as well.

Costs of a DUI

Outside of the injuries and deaths resulting from crashes, getting arrested and charged for drunk driving is expensive. The average cost for a person’s first DUI conviction is anywhere from $9,000 to $24,000. A DUI can also cost you your job or make it difficult for you to find a new job. Many employers will not hire someone with a recent DUI or will fire someone who has got one while working for them. Many employers require employees to be able to drive a company vehicle and maintain a clean driving record. A DUI is virtually an instant way to lose your ability to drive a company vehicle. If driving a vehicle is a requirement for your job and you cannot perform that function you will be let go.

Avoid Drinking and Driving

The best way to avoid getting a DUI is to avoid drinking and driving entirely. If you are planning on having a few drinks while you are out, make sure you have a ride beforehand. Do not put yourself in a situation where you feel that your only option is to drive home drunk. If you are at a friend or relative’s house consider staying the night instead of driving. If staying the night where you are at is not an option, find a ride home. Call family, friends, a taxi, or Uber to get you home safely.

There is never such a thing as “just a drive down the street” when you are drunk. It may seem like an easier and quicker option compared to finding a designated driver, but it is a decision that could change your life or someone else’s life forever. Think before you decide to drive drunk.