Drinking has a major impact on the ability of a driver to operate a car safely. Though the facts are very clear on this issue, the problem of drivers taking to the wheel after consuming alcohol to the level of intoxication continues to be a major problem in the United States. In recent years, fatalities from accidents involving drunk drivers have decreased significantly, in the wake of increased public awareness of the dangers of driving while under the influence. Still, drunk driving remains a huge problem in our society, which is why a driver who is cited for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) may see their employment status seriously impacted.
A Suspended License can Impact the Ability to Work
Drivers who are arrested for a DUI may have their license suspended, and this alone can have a major impact on employment. Some states do allow an exemption that allows a driver to drive to and from work, but if that is not allowed, finding reliable transportation to work can hugely impact employment status.
Loss of Car Insurance
Many insurance companies refuse to insure drivers who have had a DUI. Without insurance, it is impossible to drive without risking severe legal penalties. This situation alone can impact the ability to get to work. For drivers who drive as a part of their job, their company’s insurance may not cover them after a DUI, and they may lose coverage if they keep that driver on payroll. Again, all of these issues will severely impact a driver’s employment status after a DUI arrest.
Mandatory Firing
If the driver works for a company that has a mandatory firing policy for employees who have been arrested, they may lose their job immediately after a DUI.
Loss of Professional License
Many professions, like medicine or the law, require a professional license, and in some cases an arrest of DUI is grounds for a loss of license. Arrests are always reported to a licensing agency, so there is no way around the impact a DUI would have on a professional license and the impact that would have on a driver’s employment status.
Loss of Work Due to Court Appearances
Dealing with a DUI arrest means a driver will have to be absent from work for court appearances, possible imprisonment, and even for alcohol treatment or counseling. All of this adds up to a lot of time away from work, which can seriously jeopardize job security.
Applying for Work
A DUI arrest will be part of an easily searchable public record, which means it is hard to keep it a secret from potential employers, even if a job application doesn’t require full disclosure of an arrest history.
Educational Opportunities
Drivers who want to improve themselves by seeking education after a DUI may be in for an unhappy surprise. Some schools ask for arrest records during the application process, and they may require proof of alcohol counseling, or decide against a candidate altogether.
There’s no question that drinking and driving is a bad idea, especially when there are so many ways to avoid it. People who wish to drink when out socially should arrange for a designated driver or hire a taxi or car service to drive them home. If a drivers do find themselves arrested for DUI, they should contact a skilled DUI lawyer like Byron Roope, a Sacramento criminal lawyer. Still, the consequences of being arrested for a DUI are serious, both for career status and personal reputation. It’s not worth the risk involved. Be smart: don’t drink and drive.
Author info: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on twitter: @RachelleWilber.
