How Caught Drunk in Teenage helped me to avoid DWI later in life

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How Caught Drunk in Teenage helped me to avoid DWI later in life?

May 31, 2011
Author: Chris M. Alexander

It felt nice when I got my new found freedom when I became a teenager and was given the driver’s license to drive a vehicle. However, it did teach me the miseries of drunk driving when in teens I was caught for underage DWI. This taught me a lesson and helped me to avoid DWI in the future. When I was a teenager I was prosecuted for underage DWI due to lack of good judgment, and the consequences of drinking and driving.

DWI - Think Again

Teenage Driving In the US

According to recent survey by the CDD, teenagers are prone to binge drinking and according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nearly 6.4 percent out of 194.3 million drivers licensed in the United States are teens between the age group of 16 to 20. These teen drivers indicate a small percentage of the total American drivers and have led to high percent of roadway accidents.

Drunk Driving Laws and Penalties for Underage DWI

When I was arrested for teenage drunk, I had to go through a lot of trauma both in terms of emotions as well as disgrace. Though driving is a privilege, it became an embarrassment not only to me but also to my family members. I also had to face a lot of humiliation in front of my peers. The DWI offense that I faced led to the following penalties:

Driving license suspension
Criminal record
Jail time
Higher auto insurance rates
Inability to drive the vehicle due to seizure of motor vehicle
Reduced job opportunities
Huge amount as fines
Community service
Probation, DWI programs

My family members restricted my driving even after my license was released.

Ways to Avoid DWI Offense

Owing to the DWI offense that I faced when I was a teenager, I have become extra cautious to avoid drunk driving. I am aware of the DWI laws and try to follow the various rules and regulations. I ensure that if have had alcohol, I do not drive or operate any motor vehicle. I prefer to take a taxi or ask a friend or a family member to drive me home. It taught me to change my lifestyle, I have also taken the responsibility on myself to educate teenager around me to be more responsible and avoid underage DWI. I also educate parents to monitor the alcohol abuse by their teenage children.

Therefore, as the saying goes, `one bitten twice too shy’, I have faced the consequences of a DWI offense and have understood how it can affect your life.

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