The Cost of Drinking and Driving

Each year nearly 10,000 people are killed in the United States alone as a result of driving under the influence of alcohol. Drinking and driving can slow down a person’s reaction time, as well as impair one’s judgment. According to the National Highway and Safety Administration, every 50 minutes another life is lost due to driving under the influence. Not only is drinking and driving very expensive, but you are also driving at the expense of your life as well as others.

Statistics show that on average 50 billion dollars is spent annually on car crashes related to driving impaired. This could include paying a ticket or losing your license if you are convicted of driving under the influence, which could be very costly. Also your insurance could increase by a large amount, or you may have to pay your hospital bill or possibly someone else’s. The monetary cost of drinking and driving is endless.

By drinking and driving, not only are you putting your life at risk but you are also putting the lives of innocent people in jeopardy. The decision to drink and drive is senseless and selfish. The old saying, “friends don’t let friends drive drunk,” is a motto that many people should follow. Many cities and towns throughout the United States often have taxi companies that offer free rides home to those that have had too much to drink during the holiday season. This is a great service and saves may lives.

If money is not important to you, then you should think about the other lives you are putting at risk before getting behind the wheel under the influence. The smartest thing to do is simply not drive while intoxicated. Driving is a privilege and not a right so it should be treated as one.