Don’t make the mistake of getting behind the wheel after a night of heavy (or very heavy!) drinking. You already know this: drunk driving puts your life, your passengers’ lives, and the lives of other drivers and pedestrians at risk.
The price you pay for “blowing the bubble” might surprise more than a few people! Assurances Multi-Risques wants to make you aware of the consequences of drunk driving.
Our greatest wish is to keep you safe and sound! So read the following, and above all, don’t do anything stupid!
Financial and legal consequences
Do you think taking a taxi will cost you too much? That coming back the next day to pick up your vehicle is too complicated? However, this is nothing compared to the cost and complexity of being arrested for drunk driving, even for a first offense.
- Your driver’s license will be suspended immediately and your vehicle may be towed. Fees: minimum $80 for towing and minimum $15/day for storage.
- If you plead guilty, you will receive a $1,000 fine (note that you will not have a driver’s license for one year).
- Next, you will have to undergo a summary assessment, the purpose of which is to “detect any incompatibility between your consumption […] and the safe operation of a motor vehicle.” Cost: over $300.
Favorable result : you will then be required to attend an awareness session called Alcofrein. Cost: $150.
Unfavorable result : you will have to undergo a second, “comprehensive” assessment. Cost of this mandatory therapy: $800. You will then be required to equip your vehicle with an ignition interlock device for one year. Installation cost: $50. Cost of use: $61/month.
- Each time you renew your driver’s license, your insurance contribution (to the Société d’assurance automobile du Québec) increases based on the demerit points on your record. This means that you will go from paying $60 for a clean record to over $330.
- What about legal fees? For a simple case, it will cost you around $2,000. For a more complex case that ends up in court, attorney fees can reach $10,000.
- The cost of your car insurance will also be affected… Your insurer may even refuse to insure you.
So drinking and driving is a big no-no!
Assurances Multi-Risques therefore encourages you to never drive while intoxicated. There are several ways to get home safely if you’ve had more than one drink! :
- Contact Tolérance Zéro or any other similar organization in your area.
- Before the evening begins, ensure you have a designated driver.
- Enjoy the party and sleep where the party is happening.
- Leave your car at home and take a taxi or bus.
- Walk home if the distance allows it.
So be responsible!