The Accident

The Effect and Costs of Drinking and Driving

Many people my not realize the real effect of drinking and driving can have on a person, or they just think that it can't happen to them. I unfortunately, had to learn a lesson of it the hard way. What was supposed to be a fun night out with my old roommate Leslie, turned out to be one of the worst nights of my entire life. The night turned out to be potentially deadly, was costly, and is something that you just can't erase from your mind as easily as some mistakes one may do within their lifetime.

My night started out as many normal people's nights do. I was meeting my old roommate out for a couple of drinks when she got out of work. We met at a bar, had some drinks, drank some shots, danced a bit and socialized with friends. By the time the end of the night came, I think I had about 5 beers and 6 shots of Jagermeister in my system. We left the bar, walked to our cars, normally as we always did. We said goodnight that we would see each other the next day. I got into my car and she into hers and we went our separate ways. Next thing I remember was that I was stopped at a stop light and was going to turn to get on the highway. I took my left hand turn and next thing I remember was that I slammed into an oncoming car with my new BMW convertible. Luckily, I and the people I hit were able to get out of our cars and were taken to the hospital by Ambulance. After 4 hours at the hospital we all were treated and released, but then there was the consequence of my mistake, my .244 BAC.

The police and the court process is the most humiliating time that one can ever experience, and if it does happen they wouldn't wish it on their worst enemy. Just having to go to a police station, have your pictures and finger prints done, can be such an awful and criminal feeling, that one should never have to go through. Having to go in front of a judge, and the boys you hits parents, and admit fault to something that never should have happened. Luckily for myself, I had a wonderful Attorney and got off much lighter then I deserved. I had my license suspended for 3 months, $1000 worth of fines and 10 hours of community service.

Not only does it affect your life it also affects your pocketbook in many ways for a long, long time. What starts out to be a fun night that should cost about $20 at the most, can turn out to be a $100,000 night out. Between the cars being replaced, the doctor bills and the lawsuit it can really add up to be an expensive night. Many people don't ever think about the real consequences of drinking and driving.

I hope that my night out will be a lesson learned for my friends and family. I know that I have learned my lesson, it was the hard way but it was a lesson learned. I do not hesitate to have someone else give me a ride home if I tend to have too much to drink, or call for a ride home. I do not want to relive that experience for as long as I shall live.

The Effect and Costs of Drinking and Driving

Many people my not realize the real effect of drinking and driving can have on a person, or they just think that it can't happen to them. I unfortunately, had to learn a lesson of it the hard way. What was supposed to be a fun night out with my old roommate Leslie, turned out to be one of the worst nights of my entire life. The night turned out to be potentially deadly, was costly, and is something that you just can't erase from your mind as easily as some mistakes one may do within their lifetime.

My night started out as many normal people's nights do. I was meeting

...