It’s no secret that drunk driving is a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the United States. Every year, thousands of people are killed in DUI accidents. What you may not know is that DUI consequences extend far beyond just your driving record.
If you’ve been investing in your future, a DUI could ruin all the plans you’ve made. Here are some other ways a DUI can affect your life. From higher car insurance rates to job loss, a DUI can cause serious problems for you and your loved ones.
A DUI Can Affect Your Job Security
Many employers require their employees to have a valid driver’s license, so if your DUI results in a suspended or revoked license, you may no longer be able to perform your job.
Even if your job doesn’t require you to drive, many employers conduct background checks as part of the hiring process. A DUI conviction can make it difficult to get hired for a new job.
You Could Lose Your Driver’s License
A DUI conviction can result in the loss of your driver’s license. Depending on the severity of your offense, you may lose your license for a few months or even permanently.
If you rely on your car to get to work or run errands, losing your license can be a major inconvenience. You may have to find alternative transportation or even move to a new location.
A DUI Can Increase Your Insurance Rates
Your car insurance rates will almost certainly increase after a DUI conviction. In some cases, your insurance company may even cancel your policy altogether.
According to Forbes, the average insurance premium increase for drivers with a DUI is 74%. That means you’d be paying nearly $1,500 more each year because of this decision.
DUI insurance rates can be so high that it may not be worth it to keep your car. You may be better off selling your car and using public transportation or ride-sharing services.
You May Have to Attend Alcohol Education Classes
In many states, DUI offenders are required to attend alcohol education classes. FindLaw reports that these classes can sometimes be used to “replace, reduce, or eliminate harsher penalties in drunk-driving cases.”
These classes can be time consuming and expensive. You may have to miss work or rearrange your schedule to attend these classes. In some cases, you may even have to stay in a treatment facility for a period of time.
You Could Face Jail Time or Probation
Depending on the severity of your DUI, you may face jail time or probation. If you are placed on probation, you will likely have to comply with several conditions, such as abstaining from alcohol and submitting to regular drug tests.
Jail time can disrupt your life in many ways. You may lose your job, have trouble finding housing, and have difficulty getting your life back on track.
A DUI May Stay on Your Record for at Least 10 Years
You might not realize just how long a DUI will hang around on your driving record. In most states, a DUI will stay on your record for at least 10 years.
This means that you could be facing higher insurance rates, job loss, and other consequences for many years to come.
What Should You do if Convicted of a DUI?
It is important to seek legal assistance if you are convicted of a DUI. A DUI lawyer can help you understand the consequences you may be facing and work with you to minimize the impact on your life.
In some cases, it may be possible to get your DUI charge reduced or dismissed. An experienced DUI lawyer will know how to best approach your case and give you the best chance of success.
What you’ve allegedly done was reckless and irresponsible, but by taking proactive measures to improve your life and fight your DUI charge, you can minimize the damage.
How to Avoid Getting a DUI
Don’t drink alcohol and drive. It’s really that simple. If you are going to drink, make sure you have a designated driver or take public transportation. Plan ahead, and don’t put yourself in a position where you might be tempted to drink and drive.
The decision to get behind the wheel after drinking could cost you your life or someone else’s life, or result in serious detected or undetected injuries following an accident.
It’s just not worth the risk. As we’ve established, DUI consequences are severe and can have a lasting impact on your life.