Not only is driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs potentially life-threatening for you and other motorists on the road, but there are many long-term consequences that many people don’t think about until it’s too late.
According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, every year about 4 million adults admit to driving under the influence of alcohol at least once and over a million DUI arrests occur every year. Although DUI arrests are an everyday occurrence, they have life-changing and long-term consequences. Learn how a DUI can affect your life.
Throughout the U.S., motorists who drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or above are breaking state laws (Utah’s BAC is 0.05). The penalties associated with a DUI vary from state to state, but some of the most common penalties include suspension of drivers license, suspension of driving privileges, vehicle forfeiture, and even jail time.
Individuals who have subsequent DUIs face similar penalties, which typically include longer sentencing.
Like the legal issues associated with a DUI, the cost of your DUI may vary depending on your case and where you live; regardless, DUIs are expensive.
Not only do you need to consider the cost of bail and other legal fees associated with your DUI, but there are additional costs such as towing or storing your vehicle. Once your license is reinstated, you can also expect your insurance rates to increase.
During the period in which your license is revoked, you will need to spend money on public transportation, rideshare, or hire a driver.
A DUI can be an embarrassing and life-changing experience. For some people who receive a DUI conviction, their personal relationships suffer, and they are forced to face some difficult discussions about their drinking habits.
Depending on your occupation, your professional life may experience some major changes after a DUI conviction. Some individuals lose their job and future in the workforce is limited by having a DUI on their record. Students who receive or sign up for scholarships or other opportunities may lose the chance due to a drunk driving conviction.
Every person who has a DUI has a different experience, but most would agree that it’s an expensive and life-changing decision that is easily prevented.
The easiest way to avoid the long-term consequences of a DUI is to avoid getting one in the first place. Calculating your BAC is a great way to determine if you’re too intoxicated to drive. Want to find out your BAC? Check out https://www.sawayalaw.com/bac-calculator/.
While you should never drive when your BAC is 0.08 or more, remember that driving under the influence of any amount of alcohol can result in an accident, injury, or even a fatality. It’s always best to designate a sober driver or find another way home if you will be drinking alcohol.
