Top Reasons Why You Should Avoid Driving Under the Influence

Most people in Minnesota know that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is dangerous. But what many people don’t realize is just how dangerous it can be. Driving under the influence can have serious consequences not just for the driver, but for other people on the road as well.

Here are some of the top seven reasons to avoid driving under the influence.

It’s Illegal

In Minnesota, it is against the law to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. If you are caught driving with a BAC of .08 or higher, you can be charged with a DUI. Depending on the circumstances, a DUI can be a misdemeanor or criminal conviction. A misdemeanor DUI conviction can result in a maximum sentence of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. A criminal conviction can result in up to 7 years in prison and a $14,000 fine.

In addition, you will also face a mandatory license revocation of at least 30 days. This can sometimes be increased to 180 days. You will also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle, which is a device that requires you to blow into it before the engine will start.

It’s Expensive

A DUI can be very costly. In addition to the fines, you will also have to pay for mandatory alcohol treatment, which can cost several hundred dollars. And if your license is suspended, you will have to pay a reinstatement fee of $680.  You may also have to pay for an ignition interlock device, which can cost up to $1,500.

On the other hand, if you are caught driving under the influence and cause an accident, you could be facing much more expensive penalties, including property damage, personal injury, and even wrongful death.

It’s Dangerous

Driving under the influence is not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous. Every year, thousands of people are killed in drunk-driving accidents. In Minnesota, these numbers have been on the rise in recent years and are even more alarming when you consider that drunk-driving accidents are completely preventable. If you’re going to drink, don’t get behind the wheel.

Also, not only is driving under the influence dangerous for you, but it’s also dangerous for other people on the road. If you cause an accident while driving under the influence, you could be charged with vehicular homicide. Again, this is a serious felony charge that can result in up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

You Could Lose Your Job

If you are caught driving under the influence, you could face serious consequences at work. Many employers have strict policies against drinking and driving. If you are convicted of a DUI or DWI, you could be fired from your job. Even if you don’t lose your job, a DUI conviction can make it difficult to find employment in the future.

Additionally, if your job requires you to drive, a DUI conviction could result in the loss of your commercial driver’s license. This could make it impossible for you to do your job and make a living.

Future Consequences

A DUI conviction can stay on your record for up to 10 years. This means that it will be visible to anyone who does a background check, including potential employers, landlords, and insurance companies.

A DUI conviction will almost certainly result in an increase in your car insurance rates which means that your rates could more than double. And, if you cause an accident while driving under the influence, your insurance rates could increase even more. Not only that, but you may have difficulty finding an insurance company that is willing to insure you at all.

If you are convicted of a DUI, you could lose your housing. This is especially true if you live in public housing or receive government assistance. Many landlords have strict policies against drinking and driving, and a conviction can result in eviction.

Also, you can be deported if you are not a U.S. citizen.  A DUI conviction can be considered a “crime of moral turpitude” and can lead to deportation.

You may have difficulty traveling to certain countries. For example, Canada has very strict laws against drinking and driving. If you are convicted of a DUI, you may be denied entry into Canada.

Drinking and driving are not only illegal, but it’s also dangerous. Thousands of people are killed every year in drunk-driving accidents. If you drink, don’t get behind the wheel. There are plenty of other ways to get home safely. You could take a taxi, ride with a friend, or use public transportation.

And if you’re ever in doubt, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Just don’t drive.