by Ashley Olson

Created on: June 24, 2009   Last Updated: June 25, 2009

Driving while under the influence of alcohol is not only a crime that often carries very heavy consequences, but it is also extremely dangerous to not only you, but also to others. The penalties for driving while under the influence of alcohol are often very steep, and in many states there is a zero tolerance law enforced with DUI cases. There are many dangers involved with driving under the influence including possibly death, and injury to yourself or others. I am strongly opposed to drunk driving, and I believe that you will be against this dangerous act also after learning the dangers, and consequences that often come along with this crime.

Many states have a zero tolerance law in reference to driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs today. A zero tolerance law means that if you drink as little as just one drink, and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle you could be charged with a DUI. In the state of Georgia the law states that it is considered a DUI if a blood alcohol content level of 0.08 or higher is found while operating a motor vehicle. If pulled over with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 or higher you will be arrested, and you will face many consequences. If charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol your driver's license will be suspended for a minimum of one year, and you will face many, sometimes very expensive, fines. In some cases a judge will order some sort of jail time, although in almost every case a judge will give some length of probation to be served. A judge may also order some sort of community service be served, such as picking up trash on the highway, or working at an animal shelter. Finally, if caught driving under the influence of alcohol you will be ordered to attend a DUI driving school in order to get your driver's license back. A DUI charge is a permanent mark on your record, and will not drop off of your record after any period of time. This could possibly affect scholarships for school, your eligibility of different job positions, or even the price range of auto insurance coverage.

Alcohol related traffic fatalities are alarmingly high. Statistics gathered from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration give some insight to what a great danger driving under the influence of alcohol actually is. According to information gathered in 2006 there were 17,602 alcohol related traffic fatalities in the United States. This accounts for forty one percent of all traffic fatalities for the year

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