Drunk driving crashes can cause severe injuries for the driver, passengers, or others on the road that could forever alter their lives and those of their families. However, the consequences of alcohol-impaired driving are far-reaching and can involve legal problems, injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain—just to name a few. For more tips on safe holiday driving, visit NHTSA’s website or contact Pensacola Police. For those in need of transportation options, rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are preparing for higher demand on New Year’s Eve, and local taxi services are also on standby. Pensacola police remind residents that the cost of a ride home pales in comparison to the consequences of impaired driving. Wood noted the community plays a significant role in helping police identify impaired drivers.
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Law enforcement agencies across Escambia, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties are committed to ensuring a safer holiday season. By working together, police and the community hope to save lives and make the roads safer for everyone. “Well, we have extra patrols, extra officers both in marked cars and unmarked cars looking for impaired driving like we do every year,” Pensacola Police Public Information Officer Mike Wood said.
The Dangers of Drinking and Driving: Risks, Laws, and Consequences
- With the exception of life or death emergencies, drunk drivers gain very little from choosing to drive while intoxicated.
- For example, using mouthwash or eating certain foods can sometimes cause a false positive reading on the device.
- When you drink and drive, you’re compromising cognitive ability and responsiveness, which increases your risk for an accident.
In 2020 alone, 2,041 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes where drivers were under the blood alcohol limit. Depending on the state, drunk and impaired driving can lead to multiple charges. A drunk driver charge, whether it be a DWI or DUI conviction, simply involves operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Drunk driving is the most commonly committed criminal offense in the United States, with an estimated 300,000 people driving under the influence of alcohol every day.
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The information contained on this website is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a consequences of driving drunk include: medical condition. It’s also important to know that refusing the breathalyzer test doesn’t mean you won’t be charged with a DUI.
If a driver causes a fatal crash due to intoxication, they may face Alcohol Use Disorder felony charges. These charges can result in long prison sentences, very large fines and permanently losing a driver’s license. A person may also be required to attend alcohol treatment programs. In 2014, 1,511 passengers who were riding with an alcohol-impaired driver died as a result of a car accident.6 This figure amounts to 15% of the overall deaths caused by drunk driving. Different levels of blood alcohol content (BAC) have effects on your driving abilities.
Long-Term Impact of What Happens When You Get a DUI
Heavy alcohol use impairs brain functions, such as memory and reasoning. Scientists have linked frequent alcohol use to depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and self-harm https://ecosoberhouse.com/ (e.g., suicide attempts and cutting). However, some people have genetic variations that affect the activity of these enzymes. These variations can determine how quickly or slowly you metabolize alcohol, making you more or less susceptible to its effects.
- If you are pulled over for suspected DUI or DWI, a police officer may request that you take a field sobriety test to evaluate your motor skills and judgment.
- Drunk drivers who cause accidents may also develop these issues, as well as feelings of profound guilt and shame.
- Someone with AUD will continue to drink despite negative results piling up in their life.
The severity of the punishment is often tied to factors like a prior criminal record, the driver’s BAC level, and the specific state’s laws. If a person is seriously hurt, the driver may face aggravated DUI charges. It usually applies when there are serious injuries or deaths involved. This charge can also be imposed if there is a history of DUIs or the person is driving on a suspended or revoked license. Penalties for aggravated DUI can include longer prison sentences (up to 15 years or more), bigger fines, and required alcohol education or treatment programs. It’s also a reminder of why it’s so important to prevent drinking and driving through education, law enforcement, and technology.
