By Karla Sullivan
Driving under the influence is the most common criminal offense in the United States. And though you may be conscientious about drinking and driving, as the next New Years Eve party approaches, it is essential to be reminded about DUI ramifications. Plan accordingly in protecting yourself and others from getting a unwanted gift that can keep on giving for a long time; a DUI arrest.
Short term consequences include temporary drivers license suspension, thousands in fees, fines, court community service and participation in drunk driving programs, high insurance costs and in some cases, jail. And that is if no one is injured in the accident.
But the long-term effects can be even more devastating.
Your license can be revoked and in most cases at least two years. If driving is part of your employment responsibility, you may lose your job. Even finding transportation to and from your job and running errands can create a very stressful schedule to maintain. You have to rely on someone else or public transportation, which may not be available.
Background checks will show your driving history and DUI’s can remain on your record for periods of three to 12 years in some states. According to BacTrac, if your company has a policy concerning DUI conviction, you may lose your present position.
BacTrac also comments that if applying for school scholarship programs, DUI convictions may automatically disqualify you or if on a scholarship program, it may be revoked.
Business relationships and professional associations can take a turn for the worse since your reputation can be damaged due to others perceptions of your alcoholic habits. DUI’s do not indicate that you are an addict but many acquaintances may question your stability.
Throughout the holiday season especially on New Years Eve, watch for DUI checkpoints which generally are more prevalent. According to the Ohio State Bar Association, sobriety checkpoints must be publicized in advance and they are constitutional. However, it is against federal law to set up roadblocks on interstate highways.
Always look into ride sharing or a designated driver if you are out and going to drink. If these options are not available and you have not planned for a taxi ride, don’t drink. If you are a host for a New Years Eve party, provide mocktails, (non-alcoholic drinks) that are fun and more elegant than a carbonated beverage.
According to Anne Fleming of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, New Year’s Eve is the second most deadly day for drivers. Substantial progress has been made at reducing the numbers and proportion of fatally injured drivers from the early ’80s to the mid 1990s. However, an estimate in 2011 was established that there could have been 6, 794 preventable deaths if all drivers with blood alcohol levels of O.O8 percent or higher had been kept off the roads.
Bringing in the New Year with celebration can be a wonderful time to share with friends, and family. Drinking under the influence and being arrested for that New Years Eve choice can be a nightmare; one which can last a lifetime.
