Causes and Effects of Drunk Driving - Essay Example

Drinking has been found to impair vision and hearing among drinkers, it also leads to a decline in terms of coordination of the body muscles and ultimately reaction times. This is a combination that may not be desired for people expected to drive on our roads. At a BAC of above ten percent for instance one has a very poor reaction time, deteriorated motor control, poor vision, mood changes, and over-expression. There is no doubt such is not the status expected to drive a car. As a result of the sensory impacts of drinking alcohol, driving is responsible for the many accidents and deaths associated with alcohol. it would therefore be advisable that all drivers avoid drinking if they have to drive or wait until the end of the journey if they must drink.

Laws have been put in place to punish those found to drive while drunk and therefore driving while drunk means violating state laws. DUI is a crime and may be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor depending on the circumstances in which the crime is committed. A misdemeanor is preferred when the drunk driver causes no injury to other persons or people’s properties. A felony on the other hand results when DUI results in injuries. The maximum jail term in case of a misdemeanor is six months whereas for a felony it can extend to three years. Punishment may also include revocation of one’s driving license.

Research has also shown that peer pressure is a major cause of DUI; the youth would want to drink and drive in a quest to show off to peers, pretend to be strong, impress their friends, or even just because they don’t want others to drive their car. This has the effect of exposing teenagers and youth to a much higher risk of engaging in DUI and by extension related accidents as compared to adults since they don’t know how tolerant their bodies are.

In conclusion, therefore, driving under the influence of alcohol is a significant national problem that law enforcement agencies strive daily to control, prevent and protect the public from its effects. If one is found driving while drunk the repercussions include a jail term resulting in criminal records. In case a record of past drunk driving is found, the individual may forfeit his/her driving license or even job which ultimately affects their relationships.