The impact of drunk driving in Tennessee has far reaching consequences for all who are involved and their immediate families. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is not an action that should be taken lightly, nor is it one that should be encouraged. According to Hearts for Families, drunk driving causes ripple effects. These effects can be both short-term and long-term.
Emotional Costs
The emotional impact from drunk driving incidents can last long after the situation has occurred. When there is a loss of life or severe injury, the feelings of anger, depression and anxiety may linger on indefinitely. The victims of these situations and the drunk drivers can become so overridden with guilt that it manifests into anger and other negative feelings that can perpetuate the cycle and quite possibly lead to future drunk driving occurrences.
Financial Implications
Drunk driving accidents often create financial burdens for all parties that are involved. Victims and their families may have to deal with medical bills, lost wages and other expenses. Drunk drivers may find themselves facing higher insurance premiums, legal fees, liability expenses, repair costs, rehabilitation bills and a lower credit score.
One percent of non-drunk driving motorists who are involved in fatality-related car wrecks are seven times less likely to have prior DUI convictions than seven percent of drivers who have a 0.08 percent or higher blood alcohol content, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Every 53 minutes, a person dies from being involved in a drunk driving accident every day.
Motorists face all sorts of risks when they are on the road. Drivers who operate their vehicles while they are intoxicated are putting everyone at risk of having to deal with the consequences of their decisions.