In 2013, 10,076 people died in drunk driving crashes – one ever 52 minutes – and 290,000 were injured in drunk driving crashes.In 2013, there were 3,966 young drivers 15 to 20 years old who were involved in fatal crashes — 29 percent of the young drivers who were killed in crashes had BACs of .01 g/dL or higher; 24 percent had BACs of .08 g/dL or higher.
The statistics prove it; alcohol and driving don’t mix but it’s especially important for less experienced drivers to never get behind the wheel after drinking. Make it clear to your teenage drivers that drinking and driving will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
While blood-alcohol level determines the severity of the offense in New York, any amount of alcohol affects a driver’s judgment and coordination. And even first time offenses for drinking and driving carry stiff penalties and significant costs. Here is a sampling:
- Towing: $100+
- Car Storage (per day): $45+
- Defense Attorney: $500-$1,500+
- Bail Fee: $0-$250+
- Fine: $300-$2,500
- Court Surcharge: $140
- Alcohol Evaluation: $90+
- DWI Victim-Impact Panel Session: $25
- Probation Supervision Fee: $0-$250+
- Conditional License: $75
- Drinking Driver Program Fee: $225
- DMV Civil Penalty: $300
- Ignition-Interlock Installation (per vehicle): $200
- Ignition-Interlock Rental ($100 per month/vehicle, minimum 6 months): $600+
- DMV License-Reinstatement Fee: $50
- Auto Insurance (additional cost per year): $2,000-$3,000
- Total Cost for a First-Time Offender: $4,650-$9,350+