What’s It Cost You To Drive Drunk?
The most compelling reason not to drive drunk is obvious; you don’t want to become a killer. Drunk drivers contributed to the deaths of more than 16,000 Americans last year.
An additional reason is the price tag that accompanies that DUI charge. If you’re impressed with that $125 bottle of pricey scotch, consider this: a DUI costs on the average $10,000 after you pay bail, various fines, insurance increases and incidentals such as towing, alcohol evaluation and alcohol education, and that’s if you don’t kill or injure anybody, and if it’s your first charge.
Average charges for a first DUI offense, which vary from state to state:
- $150-$2500 Bail
- $100 - $1200 Towing
- $1500 High-risk insurance (the only kind you’ll be able to get) additional premiums
- $500 - $25,000 Legal fees, depending on whether you want to dispute the charge
- $300 - $1200 Fines and Court Fees
- $181 Alcohol evaluation
- $350-$2,000 Alcohol Education, basic treatment
- $300 Ignition Lock Breath Tester
A myriad of additional fees exist, depending on the state. Additional lasting effects include an increase in your life insurance premium; lost money for lost work time; in some cases, you lose your license, then you lose your job; drunks aren’t welcomed in the cock pit or in most medical fields; you also rate a criminal record, which most potential employers can find. Oh, and the shame factor for being the drunk guy runs high and lasts long.
The moral of this story? Don’t drink, or hire a designated driver if you need to. Whatever he charges, it will be a bargain.
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