Most people know that drinking before getting behind the wheel is dangerous, but they may not truly understand the full impact of driving under the influence. By exploring the facts about drinking and driving, you can get the whole picture of how it can impact both you and others.
Along with being a hazard on the road, drunk driving also has legal consequences and can drive up the cost of your car insurance. If you get convicted of a DUI, you’ll likely need to get SR-22 insurance and file paperwork with the state. Check out these driving under the influence statistics below to learn more.
Understanding the Gravity of Drunk Driving
Even though it’s against the law to drive intoxicated, it’s more common than you may think. According to American Addiction Centers, 53.5% of people say that they feel like they can operate a vehicle while they’re under the influence, and 24% of men have admitted to getting behind the wheel while blackout drunk. But although many people don’t take drunk driving seriously, it’s important to remember that drinking and driving are potentially deadly. Along with the worst-case scenario of someone getting hurt in an alcohol-related accident, getting charged with a DWI can cause legal problems that last for years.
The Grim Reality of Drunk Driving Statistics
These general statistics on drunk driving break down the severity of getting behind the wheel while you’re impaired:
1. Your Risk Still Increases While “Tipsy”
Although the legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.08%, your risk can increase after just one drink. If a driver’s BAC is between 0.02% and 0.05%, they’re still seven times as likely to die in a crash compared to a completely sober driver. That’s why it’s important to understand that getting on the road while “tipsy” is still drunk driving.
2. A Drunk Driving Death Occurs Every 51 Minutes
Someone dies due to a drunk driver over once an hour, which adds up to 27 preventable deaths every day. That doesn’t even account for accidents that cause serious non-fatal injuries.
3. The Average Person Drives Drunk 80 Times Before Being Arrested
Not all intoxicated drivers get caught right away. In fact, people can drive drunk dozens of times before getting arrested. They may even start believing they’re fully capable of driving under the influence just because they did it before without being pulled over.
4. Only Time Can Reduce Your BAC
It’s a common myth that having a snack, taking a cold shower, or drinking caffeine can sober you up for the ride home. But in reality, you need to wait until your BAC naturally decreases over time.
5. 40% of Fatal Crashes Involve Alcohol
Alcohol is a factor in a large portion of fatal accidents. Because of your reduced reaction time and awareness on the road while under the influence, this can result in more serious crashes with potentially deadly injuries.
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The Legal Consequences of a DUI
Even if you avoid getting into an accident while under the influence, these DUI and DWI facts showcase the serious legal outcomes.
6. Police Make Over 1 Million DUI Arrests Per Year
Over a million people face DUI charges each year, but that only represents people who got caught in the act by police. Some reports show that up to 18.5 million people drive their cars while under the influence of alcohol every year.
7. Drivers Under 21 Can Get a DUI for Any Level of Alcohol
Young drivers have stricter requirements when it comes to DWI charges, and the standard drunk driving percentage for BAC doesn’t apply. If you’re under 21, it’s illegal for you to get behind the wheel after any amount of alcohol. Even a 0.01 BAC can land you with a charge. For many people, this could be less than one standard drink.
8. A DUI Can Cost Thousands of Dollars
A first-time DUI offense costs an average of $6,500 to $10,000. You’ll have to pay for court fees, lawyer fees, an ignition interlock device, alcohol abuse classes, impound fees, bail, and more. For multiple offenses, this can skyrocket to tens of thousands of dollars. Plus your insurance costs will double or even triple.
9. Repeat Offenses Can Result in Felonies
First-time DUI charges are usually misdemeanors, but your charges can escalate quickly if you drive drunk again. In most states, you can get a felony after being convicted of multiple DUIs. Felony convictions can make it harder to find a job and even find a place to live.
10. You Can Go To Jail for Your First Charge
Although each state’s DUI laws and limits can vary, many states have mandatory jail time for DUI charges. Depending on the situation, this can range from a few days to a year or more.
The Long-Term Effects of Drinking and Driving
After getting charged with a DWI, you probably want to move on as quickly as possible. However, there are several potential long-term consequences, according to these drinking and driving facts.
11. Most States Will Suspend Your License
License suspensions are common after DUI convictions, and they can last for years. Not having a valid license can make it hard to get to work, go to school, and even maintain a social life.
12. Insurance Rates Can Go Up for Years After a DUI
Car insurance companies will classify you as a high-risk driver if you get a DUI or DWI. Drinking and driving make insurance quotes more expensive for three to five years, and your insurance provider could even cancel your policy completely. As a result, getting insurance after a DUI can be stressful and expensive without support from the right insurance company.
13. Victims Can File Civil Suits Against Drunk Drivers
Along with criminal penalties, drunk drivers could have to deal with a civil suit. If someone got injured or killed, they or their family could sue you for damages. These lawsuits can be extremely expensive and drag on for years.
14. Your DUI Will Stay on Your Background Check
Once you get a DUI, it stays on your record. Even though you can take steps to remove your SR-22 and lower your insurance costs, your charge will likely show up on background checks forever.
15. DUIs Can Disqualify You From Jobs
Having a DUI can make it harder to find a job in general, but it can also completely prevent you from working with some employers. You may not be able to get professional licenses, work with children, or get a job that involves operating a vehicle.
How SR-22 Insurance Can Help High-Risk Drivers
If you’ve been charged with a DUI, you’re not alone. You can still get back on the road to safe driving by getting the right insurance. Signing up for SR-22 insurance is part of completing your court-ordered obligations and can help you work toward regaining full, unrestricted driving privileges. It also shows that you’re committed to staying safe on the road.
At SR-22 Adviser, we’re proud to offer helpful insurance solutions for drivers with imperfect records. Get a free quote online from our partner to get back on the road to recovery.