5 things you could lose as a result of impaired driving

Getting behind the wheel after consuming drugs or alcohol can have dire consequences. Here are five things you may lose as a result of this choice.

1. Your license
One potential penalty for driving under the influence is that your license may get revoked. In some regions, first-time offenders are prohibited from driving for a period ranging from several months to a year.

2. Your money
In addition to getting fined for the infraction, you’ll need to pay for a lawyer. You can also expect to spend more on car insurance for many years to come. Additional expenses may be involved too. Depending on the circumstances, you may have to settle up with a victim or pay into a compensation fund. You may also need to pay for a breath alcohol ignition interlock device.

3. Your clean criminal record
If you’re found guilty of driving under the influence, you’ll end up with a criminal record, which could complicate many facets of your life, from landing a job to travel.

4. Your job
If your job requires you to operate a vehicle (for example, if you’re a trucker, delivery person or taxi driver) you may be forced to leave it. This may also be the case if your employer demands that you have a clean criminal record.

5. Your life
Impaired driving heightens your risk of being in an accident, and if you add poor road conditions to the equation, it could make matters worse. If you get into a car crash, you could be seriously injured or killed, or you could injure or kill your passengers or other road users.

If you plan to consume drugs or alcohol, make sure you have a safe way to get home. Call a taxi, hire an Uber, or catch a ride with a friend.