Why You Should Avoid Drinking And Driving

Drinking and driving is quite common, even though it’s illegal and dangerous. While DUI offenses are typically misdemeanors, they can result in serious penalties, such as license suspension and fines.

Many people feel braver once they have a drink or two. They think they can handle anything.

The truth is that people can’t handle too much alcohol.

Alcohol causes negative effects to the body even after one drink. Coordination and balance is affected. Judgment and reaction times decrease. The legal limit is a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08. Once a person reaches this level, they may start vomiting and slurring their words.

Before you get behind the wheel after drinking, keep in mind why you should not drive while under the influence.

Legal Issues

Nobody wants to get a DUI on their driving record. A DUI can follow you for many years and make it difficult to work in a field that involves transportation. Even though it is a misdemeanor, it is still a serious offense. You could lose your license, pay hefty fines, and be forced to perform community service or attend counseling.

If you cause a crash and injure (or kill) someone, you could be sued. You could be ordered to pay for the damages you caused, so driving while intoxicated can end up being a very costly affair.

Slower Reaction Times

Alcohol consumption makes it harder to avoid accidents. Your reaction time is slower and it may take you longer to become aware of certain things, such as vehicles and red lights. It can be harder to judge speed and distance.

Drowsiness/Fatigue

Too much alcohol can make you feel tired, and this drowsiness can make you less aware of what is going on around you. It can also cause you to fall asleep behind the wheel, which can mean serious accidents.

Increased Premiums

If you are convicted of a DUI, your insurance premiums will likely increase significantly. In some cases, your premiums could double or even triple. You could even be categorized as high risk, which means you may have to get a special insurance endorsement called an SR-22 in order to drive. It can get very costly to get back on the road after a DUI, so your best bet is to avoid one in the first place.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney Today

Even if you haven’t been drinking and driving, a police officer may still accuse you of doing so. They may think you are intoxicated. Your BAC may register above the legal limit, even if you had nothing to drink.

In these cases, you need a solid defense. Your future is at risk. Count on the Columbia DUI & traffic offenses lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. to get you through this situation. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form to schedule a free consultation. We have two offices to serve you.

Resource:

southernmarylandchronicle.com/2021/11/26/why-its-important-not-to-drive-under-the-influence/