The Other Costs of Drinking and Driving

 Email This Article to a Friend  Print This Article

Most of us are aware that drinking and driving kills.  In fact, an alcohol-related traffic fatality occurs every 30 minutes.  However, the tragic side of drinking and driving, which most often includes the loss of loved ones, is not the focus of this article.  Instead, we’ll point out some of the other, less-talked-about, yet still serious, consequences of drinking and driving.

Check out the video below in which a highway patrolman, former prosecutor, and insurance agent discuss some of these topics:

A Night in Jail

More than likely, you’ll end up in a group or shared cell.  There’s a good chance that your fellow inmates are no strangers to jail and may enjoy terrorizing you.  You, on the other hand, will not enjoy your stay.  That’s why it’s called jail.

Your Car Will Be Towed

If you are pulled over for a DUI and arrested, your car will be towed.   You will then have to pay a substantial fine to get your vehicle out of the impound lot.  You’ll also have to pay the towing company for their services.  At minimum, you’re looking at a couple hundred dollars.

Loss of License and Fine

Many states’ zero tolerance laws call for automatic suspension of a teen’s driver’s license when they are arrested for drinking and driving.  A first-time offense may result in a 90-day suspension.  Subsequent offenses can result in license revocation for up to a year.

Most judges will also hit you with a fine.  The amount varies depending on the severity of the charge and whether this if your first offense.

Sky-rocketing Insurance Premiums

As far as an insurance company is considered, a DUI arrest is no different than a DUI conviction.  If you don’t believe us, watch the video on this page and you can hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.

So, what exactly does a DUI arrest do to your insurance premium?  It will send it shooting through the roof.  Your premium will likely double and could as much as triple.  That’s assuming that you don’t lose your insurance altogether.  If you’re a teen, you will also jeopardize the coverage for your entire family.  If your family can’t afford the increased rates, they may have to drop you from their coverage, which means you won’t be legally allowed to drive.

Once you are no longer covered on your parents’ policy, you will find that a DUI arrest will haunt your insurance rates for years to come.

Enormous Legal Fees

According to a former prosecutor that we spoke with, a first-time offender can expect to pay upwards of $2500 in legal fees.  Second and third offenses can be double or triple that amount.  Couple hefty legal fees with the insurance hikes and you’re looking at many thousands of dollars (probably more than you can count on one hand) for getting caught drinking and driving.

DUI Conviction on Your Record

When applying for a job, you will be asked if you’ve ever been found guilty or pleaded guilty to a criminal offense.  You will be forced to list a DUI, which could adversely affect your ability to get the job.

Applications for bank loans as well as college admission applications may also ask if you’ve been convicted of a criminal offense.

Conclusion

The next time you’re thinking about getting behind the wheel after drinking, think about all of the consequences of your actions.