Designated driver? What does it cost without one?

Hope you are having a great Holiday!
As I write this blog, it is not really directed for my policyholders because I know so many of you for a long time and I know most of you to be responsible.    I am most concerned about the others out there who will not get a designated driver when they need one and how that affects my policyholders. A drunk driving accident is a preventable accident. They often times end up in a fatality so no one wishes that on anyone.

I found this great website that you can share with anyone who needs a reminder why they should get a designated driver:
http://www.texasdwi.org/    If you have a new driver in your household who needs to learn more about what the consequences, this is a good website.

Just a reminder for the host:   If you are hosting a party, you are responsible for everyone who leaves your party so offer a place to stay if you have someone who cannot drive home.   Please do not let them drive home.    They could hurt themselves and other innocent people and you could be brought into a lawsuit.

First, here are options to get a sober ride:

1.      Plan ahead for a designated driver -    if you wait, you may not find one and could end up driving when you shouldn't.
2.      Call a cab -   Houston Yellow Cab 713-236-1111
3.      Ride public transit - Houston Metro - 713-635-4000 - local buses run on a normal schedule so check in advance
4.      Call in limo - Houston Town Car at cab rates - 713-236-8877
5.      Spend the night and stay where you are - get a room if you are going to one of these hotel balls around town.

Why bother getting a designated driver?

1.     Injuries or Death -   enough said, we don't need anyone injured or dead from a preventable accident.   Plan ahead for a designated driver.

2.     Cost of DWI violation:
                                     Fine               $  2000
                                     Bail                    2075   or stay in jail
                                     Lawyer            4800
                                     County fees        780
                                     DWI class           300   court ordered class
                                     License fee       1950   if you lose your license, pay a fee to get it reinstated
                                     DWI surcharge 1000   every year for three years to keep your license
                                     Insurance          3246   insurance goes up but you could be uninsurable if you lose your license or too many DUIs
                                     Total               20,000
       so would you rather pay the cost of a cab or a DWI ?

3.    Legal limit for intoxication is 0.08 BAC breath alcohol concentration. For most people, that's only a few drinks.

4.    First DWI conviction:
                                   $2,000 maximum fine
                                    Up to six months in jail
                                    Suspended drivers license for up to a year
                                    $1,000 ever year for three years to keep your driver's license
                                    $1,000 higher insurance premiums

If you do get into an auto accident here's what you need to know:   What to do if you have an Auto Accident

Stay safe and Happy New Year to you and your family.   As for me and my champagne we are going to be within walking distance of my house so we do not plan to be driving on New Year's Eve.   If you plan to, stay safe.    Happy New Year!

1 Comments

getuhomesafe said...
Nice article. Very important to let people know before hand how expensive a DUI is. My wife and I have a Designated Driver Service in South Jersey, (http://growthexplosion.com)and we are amazed at how many people we meet who have already received a DUI. It is sad to see how lives are turned upside down when there are so many options available. Good post and good site you have here. Keep up the good work.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 2013 4:54 PM

Designated driver? What does it cost without one?

1 Comments

Resources

Contact Us