Have you ever gone to an event and realized that you drank more than you should have? Although your vision starts to blur a little, you tell yourself, “I can drive.” So you start walking towards the car, and notice that your feet are starting to feel heavier by the moment. You ignore the signs though. Instead, you get behind the wheel of the car, and start the engine.
Stop!
Before you decide to drive off, here are 5 important reasons why you shouldn’t operate a vehicle under the influence:
1. A Life Isn’t Worth Gambling For
According to the DUI Foundation, each year, Americans take over 159 million alcohol impaired trips. 10 percent of which are made up by drivers under the legal drinking age. It’s also important to note that, when the body is intoxicated, it not only loses the ability to function properly, it also loses the ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. Means that you’re more prone to get into a car accident, while at the same time increasing your chances of getting sick, or catching a disease.
In the end, over 15,000 people die in alcohol-related traffic accidents every-year. With that being said, the chances are never in favor of the person driving under the influence. Something is always at risk, and if it’s not your life, it’s someone else’s.
2. You Will Pay Immediately
If liquor, or drugs alone aren’t expensive enough for you, it’s important to know that if you’re caught driving under the influence the only thing that’s free is a trip to jail. From the insurance point of you, you will be considered a “high risk” driver, or place you on SR-22. This may result in one of two things. The insurance company will either reject you, or raise their prices by a substantial amount to insure you. Normally, these rates will increase anywhere from $1000-1500 per year for the first three years. The rates, however, will remain the same even after three years. When it’s all said and done, a DUI will cost a driver about $10,000.
Remember, driving under the influence isn’t just reckless, it’s downright expensive.
3. Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving
Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, as long as you’re intoxicated while operating a motor vehicle you will face being charged with a DUI. For drugs, however, the driver will face serious Federal Drug Charges that may result in fines, penalties, and even time spent in jail.
What’s the Difference Between Drugged Driving and Drunk Driving?
The answer is, there isn’t one. Drugs and alcohol actually have a lot more common than you think. They both reduce your reaction time, and they both result in the organs being damaged causing the body to shut down. Alcohol, much like drugs affects everyone differently according to, gender, height, and weight. This makes it difficult to observe and understand how specific drugs and alcohol affect our driving ability.
4. You’re Putting Your Career On The Line
As was mentioned earlier, a DUI can often times land you in jail for a period of time. Meaning that if your job demands strict work ethics, you could possibly end up losing your only source of income to something that could have been avoided. DUI’s are expensive, but most importantly, they’re also time consuming. Time at most jobs, is something most jobs won’t waste. Especially on an employee who’s getting in trouble with the law.
5. It’s a Selfish Act
Driving intoxicated doesn’t only put your life in danger, it puts everyone at risk. This may include, close family members, friends, and even other motorist. One question in particular that has come up more often than others is: “Why do people still drive under the influence?” and to be honest, there are countless reasons. For example, some do it because they’re too embarrassed to ask for a ride home, while others do it because they believe they are less drunk than they actually are, resulting in a boost of confidence and believing that they can be extra careful on the road. But in the long run, no one wins.
For those of us who have someone in our family that may have gone through this experience more than once, it helps to address the problem with that person as a family. In other words, the most effective way to help your loved one, is by coming together as a family to address the problem. Family counseling creates a support group for the addict, and gives them the push they need to get their life back on track.
