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The consequences of drunk driving

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Contributed by: Jeffco Sheriff Ted Mink on 8/7/2007

Drunk driving isn't just the stuff of Hollywood celebrity scandals. It's a pervasive problem throughout the country and here in Jefferson County. While not everyone's mug shot makes it onto CNN, drunk driving can still have embarrassing, expensive, and sometimes devastating consequences for the average motorist. As you'll see, it's costly in more ways than one.

Financial and Career Impacts
A few years ago, we at the Sheriff's Office calculated the potential costs associated with a DUI arrest. The conservative estimate, which includes attorney's fee, towing, bail, ticket, insurance hikes and other fees, came to nearly $9,000.

Any adult arrested for DUI is booked at the county jail, where jail staff takes fingerprints and a photo of the offender. If later convicted, the offender could serve up to six months (for a first offense) if later convicted. Jail time means time away from work, and the possible loss of employment. Future employers conducting background checks of applicants will have access to information about any arrest, including DUI arrests. The arrest also becomes public record. Just like Paris's, Lindsay's and Nicole's, your booking photo can be obtained by anyone and posted anywhere.

An Inconvenient Truth
After a DUI arrest, the offender's driver's license is revoked for a minimum of three months. And, if convicted, a driver must reapply for a new license. License revocation can make getting back and forth to work or school, or running simple errands, very difficult. Depending on the offender's driving record, he or she may not be able to get a license again at all.

Accidents, Injury and Death
The most horrific and irreversible consequence of drunk driving can be injuring or killing oneself or someone else. According to MADD and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, three out of ten Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related crash sometime in their lives. NHTSA reports that 244 people died in Colorado in 2005 as a result of traffic accidents involving drunk drivers.

Enforcement
In addition to normal patrols and occasional saturation patrols, the Sheriff's Office conducts DUI checkpoints. Checkpoints send a clear message to the public. They are high-profile, and deputies at the checkpoints make an effort to educate all drivers on the consequences of driving under the influence. Some checkpoints are mobile: the checkpoint is set up at one location for a few hours, and then moved to another location. In 2006, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office made 694 DUI arrests, many during checkpoints.

Make Smart Choices
The average cost of a ride - be it cab, light rail, bus, or buddy - is a lot less than $9,000. Make smart choices about how you drive. Designate a driver or be that sober driver yourself. Educate yourself and any new drivers in your household, and be sure you all know your true limits. Remember that "buzzed" driving is drunk driving too.

Sheriff's Safety Fair to Feature Driving Safety Info
To learn more about drunk driving and related issues, visit us at the Sheriff's Safety Fair at the Summerset Festival in Clement Park, September 15-16. We will have a driving safety display with information and interactive activities, including DUI simulation goggles. Safe driving partners at this event will include the Colorado State Patrol and Alive at 25. For more information, visit www.jeffcosheriff.com.

Ted Mink is the sheriff for Jefferson County.

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Showing 1 of 1 comments

Submitted By: Sam Gordon

posted on 8/11/2007 @ 2:58:36 PM

(Not Rated)

Yep, and here we have example of drunk drivers and the consequences http://www.wwwpd.org/?p=58

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