It’s never safe or wise to get behind the wheel of your car after you’ve been drinking alcohol. Whether you’ve had one glass of wine or 3 “birthday” shots with a couple of friends, it’s not worth the risk.
Despite state laws prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol, thousands of drivers drive after consuming alcohol every year, which can result in a DUI conviction or worse, a fatal alcohol-related accident. As if the thought of either one isn’t bad enough, here are some reasons to avoid getting a DUI:
A DUI Stays on Your Driving Record
A DUI can stay on your driving record for at least five years and depending on which state you live in, it could be longer. If you are unfortunate to get a subsequent conviction your sentencing may be affected by a prior, even if it was more than five years before.
You Can’t Drive
No one wants to return to the days before you had a license and had to rely on people to drive you around. Chances are, you won’t find a lot of people who are eagerly willing to drive you around either. The cost of ridesharing and other modes of transportation can add up fast.
A DUI Can Affect Travel Plans
Planning a trip to Canada or another country outside of the U.S.? You may want to make sure you can enter cross the border. If you have a DUI conviction on your record, it may be enough to keep you out of a country that you’d like to visit.
Your Car Insurance Can Change
Even if you weren’t involved in an accident that led to your DUI, your car insurance premiums may skyrocket. Maybe you have a perfect driving record prior to your DUI. Depending on your insurance provider, they may even drop your coverage.
Employment Opportunities
When you apply for a job, many prospective employers do a background check and your conviction is likely to show up. Depending on the type of work you applied for, you may be ineligible to perform certain tasks due to your DUI.
Additionally, if you already have a job, but can’t work because you can’t be there due to jail time, court dates, and other appointments related to your recent conviction, you may be let go.
Your Reputation
Getting a DUI doesn’t automatically mean you’re a bad person. Sometimes people make bad choices; that’s human nature. Depending what you do or a role you have in your community or social circle, your conviction could tarnish your reputation.
Your Relationships Could Suffer
A DUI doesn’t always mean that you struggle with alcohol (maybe you just got unlucky), but for many drivers who get a DUI, they finally got caught. Your drinking habits could strain friendships, significant relationships, work connections, and family bonds. A DUI may be the last straw for many people in your life.
DUIs are Expensive
The cost of a DUI conviction may vary, but experts average the cost to be around $10,000. You need to factor in expenses like attorney fees, various fines, DMV fees, ignition interlock device, and bail. There are better ways to spend your money.
