Drinking and driving is a worldwide problem. Millions of people do it. And just because someone makes it home safely after drinking, doesn’t mean it’s the right decision. The fact is, that drinking and driving puts not only your life at risk, but also the lives of everyone you come across while driving.
Impaired Judgement
Alcohol affects a person’s judgment, depth perception as well as the motor skills required for safe driving. A lot of times, people who are under the influence of alcohol think that they are driving normally, when they are not. If the police stop someone driving drunk, they could be hit with a DUI or DWI. This is the best case scenario. At worst, the drunk driver could cause a death. According to statistics, there were approximately 10,220 drink driving fatalities in 2016.
Legal Repercussions of Drinking and Driving
If someone gets pulled over for suspicious driving, the police officer can ask them to take a sobriety test. Initially this will mean that the person has to demonstrate the proper motor skills and judgment to safely operate a car. If they fail that, then the officer can ask to perform a blood alcohol content test (BAC). In most US states the legal limit for BAC is .10%. Failing a BAC test will likely result in the person being charged with a DUI or DWI.
DUI
Driving Under the Influence is the act of operating a motor vehicle with a BAC over the legal state limit. If you are arrested for a first time offense, it will typically result in the loss of license for 1 year, as well as, federally mandated outpatient alcohol abuse program and probation. Those who have had multiple DUI’s will most likely be prosecuted to the fullest ability of the law, which varies with each individual state jurisdiction. Furthermore, if an individual is killed as a result of the DUI, you will be charged with vehicular manslaughter.
DWI
Driving While Intoxicated, is the same as a DUI in terms of its definition. If a police officer suspects you of DWI you will undergo a field sobriety test, breathalyzer test and/or blood test to determine intoxication level. The legal repercussions of a DWI are more severe in comparison to an DUI. If you are found guilty of an DWI, you will be charged with drinking and driving. The legal repercussions of an DWI vary with each individual state jurisdiction, often resulting with time in jail, federally mandated alcohol treatment programs and loss of driver’s license for an amount of time.
Operating a car while sober requires concentration. Adding alcohol to the mix is taking an unnecessary risk. Drinking and driving isn’t more important than your legal status or someone’s life. The next time you have been drinking, leave your car where it is and call an Uber or Lyft. Make the right choice.
If you are seeking help for an alcohol abuse problem, you have come to the right place. At Cypress Lake Recovery, we invite each client to participate in their recovery every single day; recovery is a choice. Make the choice with us.
Call us at 309 331 2204.
