The Cost of Drunk Driving in California

Hundreds of thousands of people suffer from severe injuries or fatalities per year as a result of drunk driving. Studies show that more than 200,000 men and women have been killed in a drunk driving car accident in 2017. Drunk driving can be easily avoided if people understood the consequences of drunk driving and how it negatively affects the lives of those involved.

Consequences of Drunk Driving

Each state has different consequences for driving under the influence; in California, drivers cannot drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more. There also has to be proof of driving, in order to charge someone with a DUI. The consequences for drunk driving in California varies per case. Drivers get up to three offenses. The first offense results in about 6 months jail time, fines up to $1,000, and license suspension for 6 months.  The second offense is similar accept all consequences are doubled except the fees. Also, license suspension would be 2 years. For a person’s third offense, jail time would be double, fines would be $1,800, and license suspension would be 3 years.

If a person is pulled over by authorities for drunk driving and denies a blood alcohol concentration test, the consequence is a penalty fee of $125, as well as license suspension for 1-3 years (depending on if it’s the first, second, or third refusal).  

Negative Effects of Drunk Driving

Drunk driving almost always causes accidents because of the effects alcohol has on the brain, which ultimately affects the driver’s driving capabilities. Alcohol slows down the functions of the central nervous system, therefore causing delayed brain function and hand-eye coordination. If a driver drinks heavily before they drive, the alcohol will impair a driver’s judgment, concentration, comprehension, visual accuracy, and reaction time.

There are statistics that support the facts listed above. About 32% of fatal vehicle accidents are caused by drunk driving. About 3,952 fatally injured drivers’ blood alcohol concentration tests were positive. One-fourth of all teen-related vehicle accidents occur due to under aged drinking.

Understanding BAC Levels

Being educated on the different blood alcohol concentration levels could help prevent future injuries and fatalities by encouraging people to be more responsible and not to put themselves in a harmful situation. Below is a breakdown of BAC levels:

• 0.02 – lack of judgment, decreased visual accuracy, can’t focus on more than one thing
• 0.05 – lack of coordination, inability to detect moving objects, lack of alertness, a reduced response rate
• 0.08 – lack of reasoning, lack of self-control, short-term memory loss, lack of speed control, inability to comprehend speeding   
• 0.10 – reduced ability to control vehicle
• 0.15 – vomiting, loss of balance

If every driver was aware of the BAC breakdown levels, drivers may not put themselves at risk. Ways to avoid vehicle collisions caused by drunk driving are to know your drinking limit and to make sure to have a sober driver transport you. Driving under the influence is not worth the penalties, fees, life-threatening risks, or health deficiencies.

At Los Angeles Injury Group, our attorneys have experience helping families and individuals through the trauma of a DUI related accident.. We understand how confusing and overwhelming the situation can be, especially if you’ve lost a loved one. Please call us at (310) 954-7248 to discuss your case and the legal options you can pursue to secure the compensation you deserve.