Drunk driving-related fatalities in New York State have seen a concerning 28% surge over the past four years. Despite the hefty penalties associated with driving while intoxicated (DWI) it remains rampant.
According to information from the New York State Police and Stopdwi.org, fines for DWIs alone can range from $300 to $10,000.
Additional expenses, such as increased insurance rates, attorney’s fees, and bail, can potentially push the total cost upwards of $20,000.
Furthermore, the human toll is staggering, with over 17,000 lives lost each year due to drunk driving, averaging one death every half hour.
Alarmingly, over 30% of fatal car accidents are linked to alcohol, and repeat offenders face even harsher consequences.
Experts say that in incidents causing injury or death, additional charges such as reckless endangerment, vehicular assault, or vehicular homicide are often added, underscoring the grave consequences of an entirely avoidable problem.
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