According to statistics, driving under the influence has been one of the worst and most preventable causes of death in the United States. Unfortunately, despite the staggering statistics, people continue to drive every day under the influence. Research indicates that most people drive 80 times under the influence before law discovers them. It is, therefore, important to show such people how bad the statistics are wit cases involving D. U. I.
One of the most hearts wrenching statistics involved in D. U. I. is the loss of life. West Virginia University (2014) indicates that 1,700-college students die each year from alcohol-related accidents, which often involve car crashes. Unfortunately, alcohol is involved in over 40% of all car crashes a year. In addition, over seventeen thousand people die each year in alcohol-related crashes.
D. U. I.s not only causes loss of life, but they are also very expensive. According to West Virginia University (2014), the United States spends over 51 billion dollars over alcohol-related crashes. D.U.I affairs are not only expensive to the state, but also private citizens in fines. Although fines vary in amount, one could spend roughly $4,000 - $5,000 in fines, impound fees, treatment, and insurance.
Notably, those who escape death in D.U.I. crashes may incur lifelong consequences. Today, most states are very unsympathetic to D.U.I. repeat offenders and a jail term of up to seven years could be issued in some states (West Virginia University 2014). Three-time offenders may also lose their driver’s license permanently or even loose basic rights as the right to vote.
Overall, D.U.I.’s have lifelong consequences which may affect how someone leads their life. However, it is very unfortunate that people lose their lives or even incur huge costs because they still disregard the issue. In conclusion, if people recognized the seriousness of the matter soon enough, they could take the initiative to turn their lives around and even have a chance to get their records erased in case they already have a D.U.I.
Work cited
West Virginia University. The high cost of drinking and driving, 2014. Retrieved from: http://well.wvu.edu/articles/the_high_cost_of_drinking_and_driving
