Guest Commentary | Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: What drivers risk beyond a DUI arrest
As we approach the Labor Day holiday weekend — the unofficial end to summer — it’s a timely opportunity to point out the dangers of drinking and driving. During the Labor Day holiday period, there is typically an increase in drunk-driving deaths — and that’s why you’ll likely see more law enforcement on the roads.
The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a high-visibility enforcement campaign that operates several times a year.
The first campaign period runs from Aug. 19 to Sept. 7.
By raising awareness before the holiday weekend and reinforcing the message throughout it, the campaign helps prevent impaired-driving crashes, injuries and deaths while encouraging everyone to celebrate responsibly.
The campaign focuses on the legal consequences of drunk driving and is supported by active law enforcement efforts.
Beyond the risk of getting arrested for a DUI, drivers are also in danger of devastating consequences like severe physical harm, financial burdens, long-term legal and career damage and catastrophic injury or death to themselves and others.
Physical and safety risks
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration released a report last year with compelling information regarding the impact of drunk driving.
Alcohol can compromise driving ability long before a person appears visibly intoxicated. NHTSA reports measurable impairment at a BAC (Blood Alcohol Concentration) of just .02, including reduced visual function and difficulty performing multiple tasks.
By .08, drivers experience impaired perception, reduced information processing and difficulty detecting signals and searching visually for hazards.
The danger becomes even more pronounced at higher BAC levels: in 2024, 56% of drivers with alcohol in their systems who were involved in fatal crashes had BACs of .15 or higher. In nighttime single-vehicle crashes, nearly half of fatally injured passenger-vehicle drivers had BACs of at least .15.
The report also showed that 200 people died in alcohol-related crashes on Labor Day weekend in 2023. Additional data shows one person is killed about every 42 minutes in a drunk-driving crash, totaling more than 12,000 lives lost each year.
Costs skyrocket
Auto insurance is already quite expensive. According to a Fox Business report, auto insurance rates are expected to increase in 32 states this year. In the first half of 2026 alone, 27 states saw increases, with the average cost of full-coverage premiums now $2,237 annually.
After a drunk-driving arrest, rates typically double or triple, or in some cases, policies get canceled entirely. Insurers view you as a high-risk driver, causing premiums to jump for three to five years. If you caused a crash, your liability coverage may pay for the other person’s damages, but it typically won’t pay to fix your own car or cover your medical bills.
Hefty legal expenses are also likely. Court costs, lawyer fees, bail and mandatory alcohol education programs easily total thousands of dollars. The NHTSA estimates a person convicted of a DUI will spend an average of $10,000 on defense costs, court-imposed fines and administrative fees. Additionally, if your case is eventually dismissed, it’s not likely that you’ll get this money back. A ride share service is a whole lot less.
Personal and professional damage
A DUI arrest may also have an impact beyond your physical well-being and your wallet. It may cost you your job…and possibly getting another one. A criminal record can lead to termination, especially for commercial drivers, teachers or health care workers. A DUI offense will appear on background checks conducted for future employment opportunities. Fields requiring driving, like delivery or sales, become closed to you.
Additionally, if you have a professional license or affiliation - such as a counselor, lawyer or medical professional — a DUI conviction could potentially make you subject to revocation of your license or disciplinary action.
A conviction can also restrict entry into international destinations such as Canada.
Perhaps one of the most painful and emotional effects of a DUI arrest is how it can impact your personal relationships.
Your spouse may feel betrayed. Friends might treat you differently. You may struggle with the shame of your children finding out. These issues can all lead to anxiety, stress and other health-related problems.
Prepare accordingly
Drinking is a choice that is not to be taken lightly. Whether you’re thinking about driving after drinking, riding with someone who has been drinking or you’re hosting a get-together where drinking is taking place, you need to plan ahead and consider these important items:
• Before drinking, plan a safe and sober ride home - ride share services are readily available in most communities and are easy to book.
• Don’t let someone get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
• If you’re hosting a gathering, make sure no one is overserved and all your guests have a sober ride home.
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911.
• Typically, drunk driving accidents happen between the hours of midnight and 3 a.m. Staying off the road during those hours may prevent you from getting injured — or worse.
n And always wear your seat belt — it’s one of the best defenses against impaired drivers.
As Labor Day approaches, take a moment to think beyond the celebration and consider the consequences of drunk driving. A DUI can affect every aspect of your life, from your health and finances to your career and relationships. The good news is that these tragedies can be prevented. By planning ahead, choosing a sober ride and looking out for others, you can help keep our roads safe. This holiday weekend, make responsible choices and arrive home safely.
Christopher J. Smith is co-managing partner at Goldstein, Buckley, Cechman, Rice, Purtz, Smith & Smith, P.A.