Every day, about 32 people in the United States Of America die in drunk driving crashes. That is about one person every forty-five minutes. Drinking and driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI), involves driving a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of atleast 0.08%. Even after just having a few drinks, getting behind the wheel can be very dangerous to other drivers, pedestrians, and even yourself.
Driving under the influence (DUI), or driving impaired, refers to someone drinking alcohol and then driving a motor vehicle.
Bicycles, motorcycles, boats, golf carts, jet-skis and even lawn mowers are all considered motor vehicles.
A total of 11,654 Americans were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes in 2020 according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Deaths such as these made up 30% of all total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in the United States Of America.
1.5 million people are estimated to be arrested each year for drunk driving.
Drunk driving is very serious and it continues to be a big traffic safety and public health issue for the entire county.
Drunk driving is illegal in all 50 states.
If someone has a BAC at 0.08 or higher, they are legally considered impaired.
Alcohol has very sedating effects that can greatly effect and impair a driver’s decision-making skills and coordination.
An impaired driver does not have the ability to move quickly and decisively avoid an accident or even perform the routine driving maneuvers.
The risk of automobile crashes and deaths increase when someone drives drunk, causing endangerment to themselves and everyone else on the road.
Alcohol can affect critical thinking and fine motor skills as early as the first sip of it.
It is very important to plan your transportation ahead of time if you know you are going to drink.
You can also call a taxi or a transportation service if you are too impaired to drive. Reach out to a friend or family member that may be willing to give you a ride.
Those are just some of the few things you can do to avoid receiving a DUI.
If someone drives drunk and they survive a crash that ends up causing injury or death to other people, they must live with the consequences.
There are many consequences from driving drunk. A DUI can result in paying significant fines, losing your license, and even facing higher insurance costs.
Common punishments for the conviction of a drunk driving offense can result in the following:
- Your driver’s license can be suspended or revoked.
- Jail time
- Your vehicle can be impounded.
- Your license can be confiscated.
- You may have to install an Ignition interlock device (IID).
- Alcohol abuse evaluations.
- Mandatory alcohol abuse treatment programs.
- You even may have to be monitored for sobriety.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 32 people die every day in the Unites States in drunk driving crashes.
That is about one person every 45 minutes. A DUI can be very common with those who suffer with alcohol addiction.
If you continue to drink despite a DUI conviction, or after a bit of jail time, it is a telltale sign that someone is struggling with addiction.
If you or someone you know and care about may be struggling with an alcohol addiction, it is very important to seek some help.
There are many inpatient and outpatient treatment programs that are available all across the county.