There's nothing wrong with having a few drinks with friends or family, especially when you're at a celebration. Happy hour is also a fun time to relax after a hard work day. However, having one drink too many and getting behind the wheel of a car can change your life and that of others forever. Any criminal attorney has likely had to handle some DUI cases. Here are some shocking facts about drunk driving.
 

1. Driving Under the Influence Can Be Fatal

It's no secret that driving while drunk has created many fatalities. According to DriversEd.com, about 30% of crash fatalities in the United States have been due to drunk drivers. When operating a vehicle, you're supposed to be as alert as possible, as you have to operate the car, watch the road, and practice safety procedures. When you're driving while drunk, something as simple as not using your turn signal or speeding can create a fatality that can often kill somebody in the opposite car who wasn't even drinking.

2. Alcohol Creates Expensive Damage

A drunk driver can often cause damage to people and property. For example, they may total their car or other cars on the road. A drunk driver could also hit a pole, someone's home, or a business property. According to Fact Retriever, the damage from driving under the influence costs Americans about $52 billion annually.

3. Drivers Forget About Seat Belts

When someone gets behind the wheel of a car drunk, they often forget to practice many safety procedures such as avoiding speeding. However, many drunk drivers also often forget to use their seat belts. Not wearing a seat belt upon a collision can make an accident fatal when it otherwise may not have been. A lack of a seat belt may be one reason why so many drunk driving accidents prove to be fatal.

4. Waiting Six Hours Can Help

Waiting six hours can make the difference between getting home safely after a party or having to call a criminal attorney. According to Factory Retriever, it takes your body about six hours to eliminate alcohol when you've had a BAC level of .8. Get your drinks out of the way during the early part of the party, or play it safe and catch a ride with someone.

A DUI can be a misdemeanor or lead to a felony. If you've been charged with a DUI offense, a criminal attorney may assist you. Our firm has handled other DUI cases, so call Sackett Law, PC today for a consultation.