Gainesville, Ocala, Lake City & Inverness, Florida Accident Attorney and Alachua County DUI Lawyer Blogs

Drunk Driving Can Change Your Life Forever

Imagine: You are having fun at a party. You've had a few beers, celebrating after your last exam, maybe even had a shot with friends.  You are having a good time, but, now it's time to go home. You think you feel fine enough to drive and do not want to take a cab. It's decision time. Do you drink and drive? What could it hurt, you are not going far?

The answer: It could hurt you and those around you. Driving drunk not only affects your own safety but the safety of passengers and other drivers on the road. In 2006, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA), 41% of traffic accident fatalities were caused by drunk drivers.

Example: On June 26, 2009, Alachua County Deputy Cynthia Johnson was struck by an apparently drunk driver head on and is lucky to be alive after sustaining bone-crushing injuries to her legs as a result of the collision. The drunk driver and passenger were also injured.

Heads up: If you drink and drive and cause serious injury to another, the penalties are much harsher and if convicted can result in prison time, loss of license and a life time felony charge.  In short, they can change your life forever!

Good news is:  Drunk driving accidents are 100% preventable!.  There are other options than driving drunk,

Help to prevent accidents such as the one that injured Deputy Johnson and make the roads, yourself and friends safer by finding another way home (and make sure your friends do too), if you (or they) have been drinking and are considering driving.

For more information:

What am I facing with a dui arrest in Gainesville?

The DUI- Conviction penalties in Alachua County