Disclaimer: The information found in this article should only be treated as general reference regarding the risks of drunk driving. It shouldn’t however, be considered as actual legal advice about drunk driving and its consequences. To have an in-depth understanding of drunk driving, get the assistance of a licensed attorney who’s experienced in handling DUI cases in your state.
The fatal five causes of road traumas are speeding, not wearing seatbelts, driving while distracted, fatigue, and drunk driving with drunk driving being one of the most severe. From your very first drop of alcohol, it impacts your mind and body. So, you’d need to think twice before getting in front of the steering wheel while intoxicated; and the moment that you’d decide to drive drunk, you’ll be putting others in danger. To make things worse, you’re also going to face legal and health consequences as well. If these things are not enough, we will give you the legal and health risks of drunk driving.
The Health Risks Of Drinking Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can give you health benefits. However, the health risks and damage to your body outweigh these benefits. When drinking alcohol, the key is to do it moderately.
Pregnancy and Birth defects
If you’re pregnant and you’re going to drink alcohol, your baby will have serious health problems. No known amount of alcohol is safe for your baby, so you should avoid consuming any alcohol as alcohol directly affects your pregnancy.
These things may happen to you and your baby because of alcohol:
A. Premature birth
You may end up giving birth before your due date.
B. Miscarriage
Your baby might die in your womb before 20 weeks of your pregnancy.
C. Stillbirth
Your baby may die in your womb after 20 weeks of your pregnancy.
D. Congenital disabilities
Your baby may end up having heart defects, vision problems, or hearing problems.
E. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Your baby may have developmental and intellectual disabilities.
F. Low birthweight
Your baby might be born weighing less than 2.5 kilograms.
- Health problems
People who heavily drink alcohol have a higher risk of getting alcohol-related diseases.
A. Anemia
Alcohol demolishes your spleen, bone marrow, liver, and blood, which are all essential for producing blood.
B. Cancer
If you’re a heavy drinker, your chances of getting different kinds of cancer increases.
C. Cardiovascular diseases
The fat level of your blood rises because of alcohol. You’ll have a higher chance of contracting heart failure and stroke because of too much alcohol.
D. Gout
Alcohol increases your risk of having gout.
E. Nerve damage
Your nerve tissues get affected by alcohol, and drinking regularly can cause pain to your limbs. Alcohol could also damage your nerves that transmit signals throughout your body.
F. Infectious disease
When you drink alcohol regularly, you’ll end up like a petri dish for infections such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, and HIV/AIDS.
- Alcohol use disorders
Alcohol use disorders are medical conditions that cause harm or distress to you and other people.
A. Dementia
Alcohol increases your chances of getting dementia; you’ll lose your memory and have trouble communicating.
B. Anxiety
Alcohol changes the level of the neurotransmitters in your brain, which can worsen your anxiety.
C. Depression
Alcohol lowers your serotonin, which can lead to depression.
- Injuries and Death
Drinking increases your chances of getting injured or killed.
A. Death
Every year, 62,000 men and 26,000 women die from alcohol-related deaths.
B. Injuries
In Western Australia, from 2007 to 2011, more than 7,000 people have been hospitalized due to alcohol-related injuries.
The Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
Every state has laws that forbid people from driving drunk. If you get caught while driving under the influence of alcohol, you’ll be facing severe legal consequences.
- Fine and Fees
If you get caught for a DUI for the first time, you may be facing a fine of $500 to $2000. You would also need to prepare for fees for the reinstatement of your driver’s license and court fees. You will also need to pay for a lawyer; and in some states, you may be required to install ignition interlock device on your car. Lastly, you may also lose income that may amount to $4,400.
- Driver’s License Suspension
If you get caught driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of at least 0.08%, whether you get convicted or not, your driver’s license will be suspended by the court, Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), or any similar agency. Your license may be suspended for 30 days up to one year. If you already have a previous DUI conviction or have refused to take the chemical test, your suspension may be longer.
- Ignition Interlock Devices (IID)
Ignition Interlock Device (IID) is a gadget that’s utilized to check your level of BAC. Once you get in the vehicle, you’ll be required to blow into it before you can start your vehicle. If you’re not alcohol-free, your car won’t start. When your vehicle has already started, the device will require you to blow into it at random times to ensure that you remain alcohol-free.
- Jail Time
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is considered as a misdemeanor by all states. You’d be facing six months in jail if you get caught. If you have a lofty level of BAC, you may end up facing more severe punishments.
When you’re involved with the law because of drink driving, it’s best to hire an experienced attorney who have years of experience in handling DUI cases. Hiring one work for you might be costly but these people can ensure that your legal responsibilities are resolved as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Hanging out with your family, friends, or co-workers can be fun, and a glass or two of alcohol can make things even better. However, to ensure the fun will last, be cautious and control your alcohol consumption. You don’t have to risk destroying your health and getting convicted just to have fun for one night. Everything has its positives and negatives, and moderation is always the policy.
Lea Taylor
Lea Taylor is a law writer who spends much of her time writing pieces on law topics for the common reader. Lea is the resident comedian of the office, often cracking jokes to lighten the mood. She always has a delightful story to make everyone smile.
