Drinking and driving is a serious offense that can have deadly consequences.  In recent years the problem of drunk driving has gained nation-wide attention and caused stricter enforcement of existing laws, along with the inception of new laws and penalties for this dangerous crime. When you read Alcoholism Articles it can motivate a change.

In the US each year, about forty percent of traffic fatalities are the result of drunk driving.  Estimates from 2003 run as high as 17,013 deaths and 500,000 injuries in alcohol-related automobile crashes.

The past twenty years has seen increases in the severity of penalties even for first-time offenders.  Penalties vary by State but include license suspension, fines from $250 to $1000, up to six months in jail, probation for six months and two weeks of community service.  If death, injury or property damage occur, penalties increase dramatically.

There are simple ways to avoid drunk driving charges for yourself.  The most obvious is to not drive if you have been drinking.

If you are going to go out drinking, take steps to ensure a safe return home.  The best method is to have a designated driver pick you up and take you home at the end of the night.  If your driver ends up drinking, do not get back into their car and do what you can to keep them from driving.  Take the keys and give them to the bartender, he or she will know what to do.

Use your cell phone to call for a ride, either from a friend or family member, or, if necessary, a taxi.  Keep some extra cash ready in case you do need to call a cab for a ride home.Anything that you can do to avoid drinking and driving will ensure that a good night's party doesn't end up a horrible tragedy you wish you could forget.