There is no doubt that having an active social life is crucial for a person’s well-being. However, many social occasions revolve around the consumption of alcoholic drinks. Although having a couple of drinks from time to time isn’t an issue in itself, the problem arises when an impaired the driver sits behind the wheel, thus potentially exposing themselves and others to a number of safety risks. 

Unfortunately, so many individuals make the mistake of deciding to drive even though they are clearly unable to do so safely and properly. In this article, we’re going to talk about how you can manage DWI risks in a socially active life while highlighting some of the best ways to get back from parties to the road safely.

Drunk driving statistics

Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime regardless of the state, and it is considered a serious safety threat. Despite all of this, drunk driving accidents happen all the time. While you might be aware of DWI meaning and understand the difference between DWAI and DUI, you may not be familiar with some shocking drunk driving statistics.

Every day, there are 37 people in the U.S. who die as a result of a car accident that occurred due to drunk driving. A drunk driver with poor concentration, decreased vision, and poor motor skills aren’t only a threat to other drivers on the road but also pedestrians and other road users. According to the CDC, every year more than 10,000 Americans die as a result of drunk driving accidents, and around 1,000  of those victims are children. Underage drunk driving is also a serious issue in the U.S. with one in four car accidents involving a teenage driver who’s intoxicated.

Potential consequences of drunk driving

Driving while intoxicated is a bad idea for a multitude of reasons. Not only does a drunk driver endanger themselves and others, but their reckless behavior can also have some serious legal implications. From having to pay hefty fines to spending time in jail and having your driver’s license suspended or even permanently revoked, getting charged with a drunk driving offense can have a drastic impact on your life.

With a DWI or DUI on your criminal record, you might have problems in the future regarding home loan applications and employment in general. This only highlights the seriousness of the epidemic that is drunk driving and just how important it is to work on reducing these numbers as much as possible.

Make an effort and plan in advance

This may sound obvious, but many people would rather risk getting charged with DWI planning in advance. The truth is, it only takes a couple of extra steps to make sure you can get back home safely after attending a social event. It can be as simple as booking a room at a nearby hotel or arranging a sleepover at your friend’s house. 

Of course, it always pays to have a designated driver to help you get back home safely. However, that is not always possible, and in that case, the safest thing to do is look for alternative means of transportation in the area. Sometimes, that will mean taking the bus back home, hopping on the train, or getting a taxi. Still, all those are much better options than overestimating your driving abilities and sitting behind the wheel anyway.

Take steps to prevent yourself from drunk driving

If you’ve been drinking and are considering sitting behind the wheel, try to take a step back and think about your decision for a moment. Think about how this could affect not only your safety but also the safety of those around you. That alone should discourage you from making such a risky choice. 

Your safest bet would be to prevent yourself from driving altogether by assigning someone to take away your keys if you’re drinking. You should also do your best to keep track of drinks and make sure you stop once you’ve reached your limit. Although this will require a bit more effort on your side, it will go a long way in helping you avoid getting charged with a DWI. 

A serious offense that requires a serious approach

Drunk driving is a serious offense and it should be treated as such. What’s important is that we as individuals take active steps towards mitigating the risks that come with drunk driving. By being responsible drivers ourselves, we will not only ensure our safety but also the safety of everyone else on the road. please follow us on Vibe Linker.