With the holiday season upon us, there are lots of reasons to celebrate, but you might want to think twice before you drink and drive.
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Driving while intoxicated is one of the most violent crimes, randomly killing or injuring someone in Missouri every 1.7 hours.
Consider some of the consequences if you choose to drive while intoxicated:
a. If you cause a fatal crash while intoxicated, you can be charged with Involuntary Manslaughter, a felony resulting in up to seven years of jail time, a $5,000 fine or both.
b. Your license can be suspended for 90 days on your first conviction. You could be fined up to $500 and spend up to six months in jail.
c. A second conviction results in a year-long revocation of your license. You could be fined up to $1,000 and spend up to one year in jail.
d. Minors may additionally be subject to a Minor in Possession citation, resulting in license suspension for 90 days for a first offense. This is IN ADDITION to any suspension resulting from "point" assessment on an alcohol conviction.
e. Insurance coverage will be difficult to find and your rates will be significantly higher.
In 2007 there were 7,780 alcohol-related traffic crashes killing 243 people and injuring 4,889 people. Many drunk drivers (1,037) were under the age of 21. The Missouri Department of Transportation is committed to saving lives on our state highways, but we cannot do it without your help. Check out the Arrive Alive link on our website: http://www.modot.org/northwest/ for more information about the real cost of driving impaired.