Getting arrested for operating a vehicle while impaired can threaten a driver’s driving privileges. Losing one’s driving license can be a significant inconvenience for motorists who rely on their cars for transportation and/or for business operations.
Despite the possibility of incurring potentially life-altering consequences, many drivers tend to underestimate the seriousness of DUI trouble. By assessing DUI statistics in Georgia, motorists can gain a clearer picture of how easily DUI charges could affect their lives in negative ways.
Alarming numbers on Georgia roads
State-specific statistics reveal that law enforcement officers arrest up to 200,000 motorists for DUI offenses each year. Additionally, the Century Council estimates that drunk driving accounted for over 11,000 fatalities in 2020 alone. These alarming numbers are a clear sign that impaired driving is a persistent issue in the Peach State despite the harsh penalties that may encounter DUI charges. Driving under the influence of alcohol in the Peach State may result in:
- Approximately $1,000 in fines
- Possible jail time
- High insurance rates
Without the appropriate legal support, a motorist arrested for operating their vehicle with a Blood Alcohol of 0.08% or higher may get harsh penalties even if their action did not harm anyone.
Naturally, younger drivers are more likely to get into DUI trouble as compared to older motorists. This may be because they are more carefree and are less discouraged by the potential DUI penalties.
Many younger drivers may not realize that a DUI conviction can remain on their driving record, affecting their car insurance rates and employment opportunities. Furthermore, younger drivers may be tempted to refuse to take a chemical test if they don’t know about the Peach State’s implied consent law.
What is most likely to follow is an automatic license suspension that limits the motorist’s driving privileges. Older drivers may have more to lose or have already encountered DUI charges enough times to want to avoid repeat offenses.
On the surface, a DUI charge might not appear to be a particularly severe concern to many motorists, especially if it’s their first rodeo. Perhaps that’s why the Peach State registers so many DUI arrests each year. Given all that may be at stake, motorists who get arrested for a DUI can benefit from seeking appropriate legal support as they fight the charges.
