It can be easy for an intoxicated person to rationalize a quick five-minute drive home has not that big of a deal. Whether they do not think they are still safe to drive or it is okay because they are only going a short distance, it does not change the fact that drunk driving can have devastating consequences.
In some cases, drunk driving can take an entire future of possibilities away from a person. With the summer season experiencing so many drunk drivers, now may be a good time to reflect on the range of consequences of drunk driving.
License suspension or revocation
Just because drunk driving did not end in an accident does not mean there are no consequences. Depending on the number of prior DUI charges, the driver may experience repercussions ranging from a short suspension to a permanent loss of their license. Even losing a license for a few weeks is enough to cause a significant upset in a person’s life.
Catastrophic injuries
An accident that occurs while driving at speeds as low as 30 miles an hour can still result in permanent lifelong consequences. These catastrophic injuries include brain and spine damage, broken bones, paralysis, loss of brain, or bodily function.
Wrongful death
The worst outcome from an accident caused by drunk driving is the loss of life of anyone involved. Drunk driving can take a father away from his family, a daughter away from her parents, or a future away from children. Wrongful death will forever change the lives of countless people affected by the loss of the victim.
Consider alternatives to drunk driving
If you are faced with the choice to get behind the wheel while intoxicated or under the influence of other substances, remember that you always have options. Rideshares are an excellent resource to get home safely, call a friend or family member you can trust to come to pick you up or stay where you are until you are sober to avoid the catastrophic consequences of driving drunk.