An alleged drunk driver wreaked havoc on the roads of Virginia Beach the morning of August 3, 2010. He began his accident spree at the intersection of First Colonial Road and Old Donation Parkway hitting three cars, according to the Virginian-Pilot. He then wound up hitting four other vehicles further down First Colonial Rd.
Thankfully, no one suffered serious injuries, but there may be thousands of dollars worth of vehicle damage as a result of this reckless driver’s behavior.
Unfortunately, many drunk driving accidents do not result in a fender bender. Many people get seriously hurt or lose their life in these wrecks. In fact, 316 people were killed and 6,256 people were injured in alcohol-related accidents last year in Virginia (VA).
This may seem like common sense to most drivers, but it bears repeating – do not drink and drive. Even if you “only feel buzzed” do not take the risk. The potential consequences are far too high.
Depending on how far your blood alcohol content was over the legal 0.08 limit, you could spend 5-10 days in jail, pay a minimum $250 fine, have your license suspended for one year, complete an alcohol safety action program, and may even be required to have an “ignition interlock device” installed in your car which requires you have your breath checked each time you start the car to ensure you are not intoxicated. Like I said, the convenience of driving home drunk is simply not worth these consequences.
And, on top of all this, your insurance company may either drop you or raise your rates so the financial impact of a bad decision will be felt for months and years.