The Consequences of Drunk Driving: Fines, Criminal Records & Injuries

consequences of driving drunk

Some telltale signs of reduced coordination include trouble walking, swaying and inability to stand straight. Too much alcohol can even make it difficult to get in your car and find its ignition. Deaths and injuries are the most severe outcomes of drinking and driving, but these aren’t the only potential consequences. In 2016, over one million drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).

How to Stop Drinking

  • If you know someone struggling with alcohol abuse, there is help available.
  • Because of the number of factors that affect BAC, it is very difficult to assess your own BAC or impairment.
  • If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
  • There is a high chance that death will occur due to respiratory failure.
  • In reality, they are swerving, weaving, running red lights, and having trouble staying on the road.
  • If you would like to find help for your drinking, there are many programs and resources available.

The vehicle cannot be operated unless the driver blows into the interlock and has a BAC below a pre-set low limit, usually .02 g/dL. NHTSA strongly supports the expansion of ignition interlocks as a proven technology that keeps drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel. Many states have enacted various laws in an effort to reduce the dangers of drinking and driving. For instance, zero tolerance laws are aimed at adolescents who get behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol. Drinking under the age of 21 is illegal in the United States and comes with strict punishment.

25 – 0.30 BAC

consequences of driving drunk

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consequences of driving drunk

Support Groups

The most important preventative method is to never, under any circumstances, drink and drive. If you’re driving during a blackout state, your judgment is even more impaired. Not only do you risk accidents, but you consequences of driving drunk include: risk not remembering important details should something happen while you’re behind the wheel. Without the ability to responsibly judge situations, someone who has been drinking may decide that they are okay to drive. When this happens, typically not until your body reaches a BAC of 0.16 percent, you may not be aware of your actions.

  • In the United States, one person dies every 52 minutes in a drunk driving-related accident.
  • These systems avert approximately 70% of drunk driving instances by requiring the driver to undergo a breathalyzer before the vehicle will start.
  • In recent years, 21 to 24 year olds had the highest percentage of drivers in fatal crashes with a BAC level of 0.08% or higher – 32%.
  • Before the person can start the car, they must breathe into the IID.
  • The emotional distress caused by the accident can further complicate matters, making it difficult for families to cope.
  • In some cases, an insurer will cancel the insurance policy, and you might need to find an insurer that specializes in providing high-risk insurance, which is very expensive.

Depending on your age and the exact consequences of your alcohol-impaired driving, you may be fined, incarcerated, ordered to do community service or have your driver’s license revoked. Even after Substance abuse these punishments have been dealt with, having a DUI on your permanent record will continue to affect your life for years to come. Drunk driving is commonly referred to as driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) across the United States. The legal definition of it means that the driver was operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content, or BAC, of 0.08%. These fatalities included vehicle drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and non-occupants, such as pedestrians or cyclists. The most at-risk groups for drunk driving fatalities are young people, motorcyclists, and repeat DUI offenders.

Of course, these expenses don’t include the potential for property damage, possible job loss, stress on relationships, injury, and loss of freedom. And that’s if no one is killed or seriously injured by your drunk driving accident. The next time you think about getting behind the wheel after several drinks, consider the dangers of drunk driving.

Drivers at every blood alcohol content level from .01 to .27 have caused more than 200 fatal drunk driving crashes each year. Drivers with a level of .16 die in the most fatal crashes each year, nearly 550 annually. Despite the time commitment, court-ordered rehab is better than the alternative and sometimes unavoidable consequence of drunk driving, jail time. Since many drunk driving accidents sadly result in death, drunk drivers are convicted and sentenced to jail. Recent data reveals that drunk driving-related death and damages costs the US $201.1 billion a year.

consequences of driving drunk

Those convicted of driving while intoxicated are often ordered to install Ignition Interlock Devices(IID) in their vehicles. This device is like a breathalyzer and prevents the car from starting unless the driver blows with alcohol-free breath. It will also ask for breath samples at random times once the car starts and records the results. The drunk driver, passengers, bystanders, and drivers of other vehicles are all at risk. Heavy drinking affects your motor skills such as eye, hand and foot coordination. Without crucial coordination skills, you may be unable to avoid an impending harmful situation.

Repeat offenders are more likely to serve time after driving under the influence. Intoxication affects the part of your brain responsible for judgment and rational thinking. Alcohol lowers inhibitions and causes individuals to make decisions without considering the consequences.

consequences of driving drunk

consequences of driving drunk

Young people between the ages of 21 to 25 years old are the most likely to drive drunk. These penalties may include fines, license suspensions, and even imprisonment. Copyright © 2025, AddictionHelp.com The information provided by AddictionHelp.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice. View our editorial content guidelines to learn how we create helpful content with integrity and compassion. In addition to managing a successful family medical practice, Dr. Hoffman is board certified in addiction medicine by the American Osteopathic Academy of Addiction Medicine (AOAAM).


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