Impaired Driving: What You Need to Know

When it comes to protecting your vehicle, there are many things to consider on top of sudden breakdowns. As an auto owner, taking charge of your efforts in being a safe driver can help keep your car on the road longer.

To be a safe driver, one must avoid impaired driving at all costs. Some naysayers may insist that they know their limits and can drive behind the wheel, but that’s not true. Every time you drive impaired, you’re risking your safety and of those around you. 

Here are just a few of the things that can happen if you choose to drive impaired: 

1. An accident: Of course, this is everyone’s top fear when doing any driving. But even minor impaired driving incidents can have catastrophic effects. You and your vehicle may be fine, but if you’re caught driving impaired, it can lead to legal issues, fines, and even a loss of your license.
2. Vehicle damage: Even if you don’t get into a severe accident or crash into an object or vehicle, you can still damage your car. You’re less aware when driving drunk or high, which means you’re not as cautious making full turns, avoiding scratches, or wearing out your tires on bad terrain. Carelessness can create issues too.
3. Death: Some may think this is dramatic, but in 2018, 10,511 people died from drunk driving accidents. These accidents were preventable, and now more than 10,000 families will never see their loved ones again. 
4. Financial costs: Legal fees, court costs, and fines add up. If your car is damaged beyond repair or your license is revoked, add additional expenses onto that. It can be challenging to recover from any form of accident, but especially one where you have been caught driving impaired.

Resources to prevent impaired driving

If you ever feel unsafe while driving with someone impaired, there are resources to help.

1. Use a rideshare app. You can use Lyft or Uber too, but if that’s not an option for you, make things easy for yourself by either scheduling a pickup ahead of time or programming the cab company number into your phone. That way, you will be able to make the right choice easily.
2. Stick with a designated driver. If you’re worried about getting home when out with friends, have someone volunteer as a designated driver and stick to it. 
3. Take the keys away. If a friend is trying to drive impaired, take their keys away. They may be angry, but they’ll be alive.

Protect yourself from the unexpected

We want to get you back on the road again, America. Like many things in life, preparing for the unexpected matters now more than ever. With car repairs ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, Endurance is here to help cover sudden breakdowns by paying the mechanic directly for both parts and labor.

Request a no-obligation quote or call the number below to hear about our current relief program and minimal down-payment option. Every Endurance warranty also comes with a 1-FREE year of the Endurance Elite Membership, which comes with $250 in shopping vouchers, tire replacement/reimbursement, key fob replacement, and more.