Car Insurance and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol
December 21, 2019
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Introduction
Driving under the influence of alcohol is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road. It significantly increases the risk of severe traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities. This article explains why you should never drive after drinking alcohol, the legal consequences, and how it affects your car insurance.
The Dangers of Drinking and Driving
Alcohol is a major factor in 30% to 50% of fatal traffic accidents. For example, in 2015, 29% of drivers who died in accidents had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit. Even if a driver who drinks and drives doesn’t cause an accident immediately, repeating this behavior increases the likelihood of a tragic outcome over time.
Effects of Alcohol on Driving
Driving after consuming alcohol impairs your abilities in several ways:
- False sense of confidence in driving skills
- Reduced sense of responsibility
- Increased aggressive and impulsive behavior
- More traffic violations
- Poor perception of lights and surroundings
- Difficulty judging speed and distance
- Narrowed field of vision
- Trouble maintaining focus
- Slower reaction times and decision-making
- Greater willingness to take risks
Even small amounts of alcohol can impair driving, making accidents more likely.
Legal Consequences of Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to both criminal and administrative penalties.
Criminal Penalties:
- Driving with alcohol in your system can result in imprisonment, fines, community service, and loss of your driver’s license.
- Reckless driving (e.g., drunk driving at high speeds) that endangers lives can lead to imprisonment and license revocation.
Administrative Penalties:
- Drivers involved in accidents or traffic violations must undergo alcohol tests.
- Refusing a breathalyzer test can result in 6 months to 1 year in prison and a 1- to 4-year license suspension.
- Driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.60 can lead to 3 to 6 months in prison, fines, community service, and a 1- to 4-year license suspension.
How Alcohol Affects Car Insurance
If you cause an accident while driving under the influence, your insurance coverage may be affected:
- Damage to Your Vehicle: Insurers typically do not cover repairs to your car if you were drunk at the time of the accident.
- Third-Party Damages: Insurers will cover damages to the other party’s vehicle or property under compulsory liability insurance. However, they may later sue you to recover these costs.
- Claims Against You: If you are injured or your property is damaged by a drunk driver, you can claim compensation through criminal or civil proceedings. The drunk driver’s insurer will compensate you but may later seek repayment from the driver.
Our Advice
Never drink and drive. The risks are too high, and the consequences are severe. If you are involved in an accident with a drunk driver, contact your insurance broker immediately for guidance.
Reference Source:
- World Health Organization (WHO) - Global Status Report on Road Safety
- Insurance Information Institute (III) - Drunk Driving and Insurance
- European Transport Safety Council (ETSC) - Alcohol and Road Safety
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