Not only is driving under the influence extremely dangerous and deadly, but it can also turn out to be expensive and embarrassing. Choosing to operate a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol or other drugs could be a decision you’ll regret for the rest of your life.
- If you're arrested, you could lose your license and face significant fines.
- Repeat impaired driving offenders will face imprisonment.
- If you injure or kill someone in a crash you could face serious charges, like negligent homicide.
- If you refuse a blood or breath alcohol concentration (BAC) test you will lose your license for at least one year. Can you afford to be without a license for a year? How will you get to work? Who’s going to take the kids to school?
- Wisconsin laws include mandatory installation of ignition interlock devices (IID) on all vehicles owned by anyone convicted of first offense OWI with an alcohol content of 0.15. You will even be responsible to pay for the device and installation.
- If you drive impaired with a child under the age of 16 in the vehicle, the penalties will DOUBLE.
- If you have two prior impaired driving convictions and have a BAC over 0.17, the penalties are MULTIPLIED.
- OWI convictions can cost around $10,000, including fines, court costs, attorney fees, lost time at work, higher insurances rates, and more.
The good news is, driving under the influence is entirely preventable. If you chose to drink, whether it be for March Madness or a night out, be sure to plan ahead. Before you even start drinking, choose a designated driver. If you're feeling “buzzed,” you’re likely over the 0.08 limit and should not drive. Rather than risk an arrest, or even worse a crash, call a taxi, find mass transit (bus), or use a ride share program (such as Uber or Lyft). Some taverns and restaurants have programs to provide patrons with a safe ride home. Visit www.tlw.org/saferide to learn more the Tavern League of Wisconsin SafeRide program.
Lastly, if you suspect a driver to be under the influence, call 911 immediately. Attempt to gather as much information as you can about the driver, vehicle, license plate, and location. Notifying the police right away, allows us time to stop the vehicle and determine if the driver is safe to be on the roadway - better safe than sorry.