Facts About Drunk Driving

As a licensed driver in Georgia, you’re well-aware of the fact that you can be arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. But how much do you actually know about drunk driving? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Every day, almost 29 people in the United States die in alcohol-impaired vehicle crashes – that’s one person every 50 minutes in 2016.” The NHTSA continues, “Alcohol is a substance that reduces the function of the brain, impairing thinking, reasoning and muscle coordination. All these abilities are essential to operating a vehicle safely."

In Georgia, the offense of drunk driving is covered under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391. Under Section 40-6-391(a), it says, “A person shall not drive or be in actual physical control of any moving vehicle” while they are under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it makes him or her less safe to drive. It’s also illegal to drive under the influence of any drug, glue, aerosol, or other toxic vapor to the extent it’s made it less safe for the person to drive.

Now that you have a basic understanding of DUI, let’s take a look at some drunk facts that the average person is not aware of:

• A DUI can be a misdemeanor or a felony, but most DUIs are misdemeanors.
• A person can be charged with DUI even if they had little to drink. Their blood alcohol content (BAC) can be less than the .08% legal limit and they can still be charged.
• Many medications are very dangerous if mixed with alcohol and actually intensify the effects of alcohol.
• Coffee, energy drinks and a cold shower do not sober a person up, only time does.
• If a drunk driver is in an accident, they can face criminal charges and a civil lawsuit (personal injury claim) filed by the victims.
• A felony DUI can trigger removal proceedings for Green Card holders.
• A DUI typically leads to a driver license suspension for the accused.
• A DUI can lead to loss of employment, the denial of scholarships, and the denial or cancellation of a professional license.
• A DUI leads to a permanent criminal record.
• Stress can lead to alcohol abuse, which can lead to addiction.
• Alcohol abuse is linked to violence, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).
• Impairment starts after the first sip, so it’s important to never drink and drive!

Hit By a Drunk Driver?

Has your life been turned upside-down because of a drunk driving crash? Even if the drunk or drugged driver is facing criminal charges, you can still file a personal injury claim. To learn more, contact our firm to meet with a Kennesaw personal injury lawyer for free!

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