(InvestigateTV) — About 32% of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The human cost is the most important thing to keep in mind, but it’s not just the driver who is at-risk when in the car after drinking – it’s everybody else on the roads.
In addition to human costs, David Straughan, a senior automotive journalist for MarketWatch Guides, also took a look at the financial cost of a DUI.
“Surge pricing on New Year’s might seem a little extreme when you’re looking for, like, a Lyft or an Uber and you’re like, ‘oh my gosh, it usually costs me $25 to get home, but now it’s going to cost me $80,’” Straughan said. “And that is expensive. And it is a little startling. But what’s even more startling is how much your car insurance will go up if you get a DUI.”
Straughan said the average car insurance premium will rise from $2,400 a year to more than $3,600 a year. That’s an extra $1,200 dollars for a DUI conviction.
He said those who intend to drink during a New Year’s Eve outing should plan their rides now.
“My number one advice is to make a plan,” Straughan said. “But one, A, would be to not bring your car. Just plan on being without your car. That way you just remove the option of drinking and driving.”
He said people could instead plan to use rideshare, have a designated driver, or take public transportation.
Whatever the plan for New Year’s Eve, it should include how to get home safely.
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