Drunk Driving Influence

Driving Under the Influence (DUI), or commonly known as “drunk driving,” is operating a motor vehicle while one’s blood alcohol content (BAC) is above the legal limit set by the state which in California is 0.08%. This means, if you drink just one 12-ounce beer, one five-ounce glass of wine, or 1.5-ounce shot of distilled spirits then get behind the wheel, you could already be guilty of a DUI (BACTrack). Driving is a daily routine for millions of people around the world today but unfortunately, it is also increasingly becoming a deadly task because of the many people who drink and drive. Not only does drinking and driving endanger your life but it also endangers the lives of the innocent people around you. The problem with drunk driving not

The consequences of drunk driving affect other drivers on the road including passengers, pedestrians, and their families. The DUI Foundation describes the emotional costs of drunk driving. “Everyone involved in a drunk driving traffic incident runs the risk of developing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This disorder goes beyond depression and often includes experiencing flashbacks of the unpleasant memories of the crash scene.” PTSD symptoms are series of nightmares, anger rages, trouble with concentration or remembering, exaggeration, and extreme caution. Many of these symptoms can last for months or even longer. Families can also lose family members through the process of PTSD. This can come out of nowhere and cause much surprise and anger on the family because of one’s bad decision of drunk driving. The families then begin to think a different way then they usually would which could cause them to do something out of their character (DUI Foundation). Although PTSD is a major factor, it also comes along with grieving. The DUI Foundation also states, “As with any loss or traumatic experience, it is common for a person to go through a cycle known as the seven stages of grief. The stages of grief include: Shock or disbelief, denial, bargaining, guilt, anger, depression, and acceptance and hope. It is always hard to lose a loved one, but to lose them to something that can have been prevented puts a lot of thought into your mind. A major question that will always come up is: Could it have been