Impaired driving puts the driver and innocent bystanders at risk of death. Despite the far-reaching implications of drunk driving, more than 11 million people are arrested each year for it.
The true number of drunk drivers is much higher. Based on self-reporting, the CDC estimates that over 111 million people drive under the influence.
In addition to the risk of taking a life, there are many other consequences. You may be facing charges on your record and license suspension. Some drunk drivers lose their job and incur significant monetary costs.
Read on to learn how impaired driving can affect you over the long-term. Explore consequences that will make you think twice about getting behind the wheel drunk.
Mental Anguish
In a single year, over 10,000 people died at the hands of drunk drivers. You will have to live with these actions if a person dies or is seriously injured by your actions.
The death of an innocent person puts a substantial strain on mental health. You are likely to face depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety.
Monetary Costs
In the wake of a drunken driving incident, you will face thousands of unexpected costs. For starters, you may be responsible for any property damages caused by an accident.
You are likely to face fines in the judicial system. Also, you need to hire a lawyer to defend you against the most significant charges.
Car insurance premiums increase significantly after DUI or DWI charges. In the worst-case scenario, your employer may lay you off due to the charges on your record.
Legal Repercussions
The prosecutor’s office is going to bring charges against you. Depending on the facts of the case, you are looking at DUI or DWI charges.
There may be other lesser violations such as reckless driving or speeding. If you are found guilty, there are a range of potential legal consequences. You are likely to pay a fine and lose your license.
The judge may order you to complete community service. Another possibility is seeing a substance abuse counselor to overcome addiction issues. For example, understanding DOT SAP helps you see how a federal agency handles drunken driving.
In the event that an innocent person is killed, the prosecutor could charge you with vehicular homicide or manslaughter. These charges are considered a felony. They have significant penalties associated with them.
Vehicular homicide or manslaughter charges are likely to carry jail time. Those guilty of these charges have a felony on their permanent record. They will find it difficult to pass a background check or secure employment in the future.
Consequences of Impaired Driving: A Recap
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol could change your life forever. For many people, the charges break them financially. They cannot afford the massive fines and cost of auto insurance.
Others see an even harsher fate. They experience jail time and a permanent record with a felony on it. This makes it hard to find and keep a job.
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