Do not drink and drive. Even one drink of alcohol can impair your judgment and reaction time behind the wheel. Braking, steering and negotiating lane changes may be more complicated when you are under the influence of alcohol. (This is true even when your alcohol level is below the legal intoxication limit.)
Sobering Statistics
- Most car accidents in the United States are related to alcohol.
- Every 30 minutes in America, someone dies in an alcohol-related car accident.
- More than half a million Americans are injured in alcohol-related car accidents every year.
- Three in every 10 Americans will be in an alcohol-related car accident in their lifetime.
The Price You Pay
The legal definition of intoxication varies from state to state. In most states, the legal level is 0.10 BAC (blood alcohol concentration). If a police officer believes you have been driving while intoxicated, you will be asked to take a roadside Breathalyzer test to determine the level of alcohol in your blood.
If the results of your Breathalyzer suggest that you are legally intoxicated, you can be arrested for DUI (driving under the influence) or DWI (driving while intoxicated). A DUI or DWI arrest can lead to a steep fine, loss of your license and even jail time.
If you have been drinking, always have a designated driver (a person who has not been drinking) take you where you need to go. Or use public transportation.
A Final Word
Drunk driving is the most common violent crime in the United States. Do not get behind the wheel if you are drunk. And never ride in a car if you know the driver has been drinking.
Remember — all alcohol-related car accidents are preventable.
