How Much Does Drunk Driving Cost The Government?
How Much Does Drunk Driving Cost the Government?
Drunk driving is one of the biggest crimes in the United States. It costs the government billions of dollars every year, and it also affects the lives of people who are injured in car accidents caused by drunk drivers.
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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that 29 people die every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver, and the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation estimates that drunk driving costs $132 billion annually. Those figures take into account higher insurance rates, taxes to pay for law enforcement, jails and prisons and judicial courts; medical fees; and property costs.
Those who get arrested for drunk driving have to deal with a range of penalties and fines that vary by state. These can include paying court costs, probation, community service and jail time.
If a person is convicted of a DUI, their driver’s license will be suspended for a period of time. They will also be required to complete certain types of driving school. This is to educate them on how to drive safely again.
It can also cost them money in the form of lost wages. They may have to attend court on days they are not working, which can negatively impact their work schedule and affect their income.
The cost of a DUI can also be high in terms of the emotional toll it takes on those involved. Emotional stress can cause nightmares, flashbacks, a lack of focus, and frightening thoughts.
Many of these feelings are difficult to explain and cannot be measured in terms of money. It can change a person’s life and make them feel as if they are not able to go on.
They can even become so depressed that they may seek treatment. Getting help for alcoholism is an important way to stop drinking and driving, as it is an addictive disease that can lead to unsafe behavior.
A DUI can be devastating on a person’s mental and physical health. It can cause severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can have a long-lasting effect on the offender’s life.
These effects can continue for years after a DUI arrest and conviction. A driver who has a DUI on their record will be charged with higher insurance rates than those without the offense, as well as have their driving privileges denied.
This can make it hard for them to find a job, which can be very discouraging. It can also make it difficult for them to be able to afford to repair their vehicle.
When they do find a new job, it can take a while to get their driving privileges back. They will also have to pay higher reinstatement fees, which can add up quickly.
In addition to these expenses, DUI offenders often have their cars impounded for a period of time after they are caught. This can have a huge financial impact on them as they have to pay for towing, storage and recovery fees.