The Cost of Drunk Driving

Drunk Driving is very dangerous. We have heard this many times on television, on the radio, at school, etc., yet many people continue to do it. Next time you think about driving drunk, you should look at your decision another way. Driving impaired can end up costing you a lot of money. That night of fun might not only be dangerous for you and others, but it can also be dangerous for your checkbook.

Losing Your Money and DUI

Before you get behind the wheel after a night of drinking, ask yourself one question: “Am I willing to risk $20,000 for this decision?” This is what drunk driving may end up costing you over time. The prospect of getting arrested is something that many people do not take seriously, and DUI/DWI is generally looked at as a misdemeanor in most cases. A first offense, however, can result in the following:

Fines
Attorneys fees
Alternative transport cost
Court costs
Bail
DUI class
Car towing
Monthly monitoring fees
Blood testing fees
Interlock device
Increased auto insurance fees.

Some surveys even show that a first offense ranges from $9,000-$25,000 in fees, and that is without being involved in an accident! Some jobs are not very tolerant to a DUI, and this could result in your termination. You will also face jail time when you get arrested. This can run you as much as $200 for the first day and then $50-$100 for every day after that.

Not only do you have to pay those fees, but you may have also lost your livelihood. Your auto insurance may also increase by as much as $10,000 over the next five years. This can be a huge burden. Do not think that you will emerge unscathed because it is your first offense, either. It only takes one time in order to lose thousands of dollars and quite possibly your job.

Don’t Bring This upon Yourself

If the prospect of getting arrested or even injuring someone does not deter you from driving drunk, then think about the possibility of injuring your check book. You can lose a massive amount of money because of a DUI, and you can prevent it by simply taking a $20 taxi ride home. So stop and think… because you are risking as much as $20,000 when you drive drunk. The world and your check book would be a lot safer if drunk driving came to an end.