It’s no secret that drinking and driving are a dangerous combination. Every year, thousands of people are killed in alcohol-related car accidents, and the numbers continue to rise. Despite this, many people still choose to get behind the wheel after drinking. Why is that?
One reason may be that many people don’t understand just how dangerous it is to drink and drive. They may think that they’re fine to drive as long as they haven’t had too much to drink. But the reality is that even a small amount of alcohol can impair your judgment and slow your reflexes, making it a very dangerous combination.
Here are six more important things to know about drunk driving.
Drinking and driving is a serious offense
In most states and Minnesota as well, it’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or higher. That’s equivalent to about four drinks for the average man, or three drinks for the average woman, in one hour. If you’re caught driving with a BAC that high, you could face serious penalties like jail time, a large fine, or the loss of your driver’s license.
If you ever find yourself in a position where you’ve had too much to drink and need to get home, it’s always best to call a taxi or rideshare or ask a friend or family member for a ride. It’s not worth the risk of getting behind the wheel. Additionally, make sure to hire a DUI attorney, if you, unfortunately, get caught. These experts can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome.
Drunk driving is deadly
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol-related car accidents are the leading cause of death among young adults aged 21-24. Nearly 1,500 young adults die each year in drunk driving accidents. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Thousands more are injured, and many of those injuries are life-altering.
So if you’re thinking about getting behind the wheel after drinking, just remember that it’s not worth the risk. Not only could you kill yourself or someone else, but you could also end up with a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life.
There are other risks besides crashing
While crashing is the most obvious danger of drunk driving, it’s not the only one. Drunk drivers are also more likely to get into accidents where they hit pedestrians or cyclists. They’re also more likely to drive off the road or hit something parked on the side of the road. And if they do get into an accident, they’re more likely to be seriously injured or killed.
When you get behind the wheel after drinking, you’re not just putting yourself at risk. You’re also endangering the lives of your passengers, as well as other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. So if you’re intoxicated and thinking about driving, remember that it’s not just about you. It’s about everyone else on the road.
Legal Consequences
If you’re caught driving drunk, you could face serious legal consequences. In addition to the possibility of jail time and a large fine, you could also lose your driver’s license for some time. You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your car, which prevents you from starting the engine if you’ve been drinking.
Additionally, your insurance rates will likely go up, and you may have difficulty renting a car or getting a job. A DUI can also make it difficult to travel to other countries. So if you’re caught driving drunk, be prepared to face some serious consequences.
You’re not invincible
Many people think that they can handle their alcohol and that they’re immune to the effects of intoxication. But the reality is that no one is invincible. Alcohol affects everyone differently, and even a small amount can impair your judgment and slow your reflexes. On the other hand, a large amount can make you black out or even die.
Additionally, mental or even physical illnesses can make the effects of alcohol more pronounced. So if you’re on any medication or have any health conditions, it’s best to avoid drinking altogether.
There are alternatives
If you’re out drinking, there are always alternatives to driving. You can take a taxi, call rideshare, or ask a friend or family member for a ride. You can also use public transportation or stay at the hotel or rental property where you’re drinking.
So if you’re out drinking, make sure to plan and have a way to get home that doesn’t involve driving. You can also, of course, just drink less. The less alcohol you consume, the lower your risk of getting behind the wheel when you shouldn’t.
Drunk driving is a serious offense with potentially deadly consequences. If you’re caught driving drunk, you could face jail time, a large fine, and the loss of your driver’s license.
So if you’re out drinking, have a plan to get home that doesn’t involve drunk driving, and always remember that the best way to avoid drunk driving is to drink less.
