Harsh Consequences of Drink Driving

Its significance in many aspects of human life is so pervasive that its absence in certain social situations is often seen as inappropriate. However, the consumption of alcohol can negatively affect an individual's ability to perform a task that demands full attention, such as driving.

The combination of drinking and driving is a potentially lethal cocktail that has long been regarded as a social problem in many countries. In fact, in United Kingdom, 8,620 road accidents were recorded in 2008 alone. 2,020 people were killed or seriously injured as a result of drink driving, and approximately one out of six of the recorded road deaths involved drivers who were over the mandated alcohol limit. Yet, despite these alarming statistics and the continuous warnings, public awareness, stiffer penalties for drink driving violations, and efforts implemented by law enforcement agencies to protect people from the highways, many individuals still drive their vehicles while intoxicated.

In the UK, the alcohol limit for drivers is set at 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood; 35mcg per 100ml of breath; or 107mg per 100ml of urine. However, it should be considered that any amount of alcohol can actually impair a person's ability to drive safely. The effects of alcohol to a driver include slower reactions, reduced field of vision, increased stopping distance, decreased patience, irrational behavior, and poorer driving judgement. Several studies have shown that drivers who consume alcohol greater than the required alcohol limit are seven times more likely to be involved in a fatal vehicle crash compared to a driver who has not consumed alcoholic beverages.

Of course, the harsh consequences of drink driving cannot be simply overlooked. The death of an innocent victim is by far the worst result of drinking and driving. Serious injuries that may left the victim unable to live a normal life is another harsh consequence of this social problem. But, how about the person behind the wheel? What are the consequences that he or she is likely to face assuming that he or she survive the accident? A convicted drink driver is likely to face serious legal actions that include jail time, community service, and payment of fines and penalties imposed by judges. In addition, a convicted drink driver is also likely to shoulder car impound and towing fees, cost of drivers' education classes, cost and inconvenience of an ignition interlock device installed on the car, loss of driving privileges, and loss of job or income.

Generally, drink driving is a serious issue that have harsh consequences on both victims and convicted drivers. If you will be out drinking away from home, it will be best to avoid driving at all cost and instead designate a driver for the car or operator of the boat. In the end, these simple steps will ensure you and other people's safety on the road.

If you have been caught whilst operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol then contact specialist drink driving solicitors to help assess your case and to make you aware of your options

For further reading check out this article on choosing solicitors for drink driving cases.

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