Receiving a charge of driving under the influence can cause someone to land in jail, pay a significant amount of fines, lose their license or a combination of two or more of those things. Even with the threat of losing their freedom, every day many people across the country choose to get behind the wheel after using drugs or drinking too much alcohol.
Why do some people in Minnesota make the decision to drive while impaired?
Because they have lowered inhibitions
Certain substances can cause people to have lowered inhibitions. People drink alcohol, in particular, to feel more confident while socializing. However, lowered inhibitions can be dangerous or deadly when they cause people to do things such as get into fights and engage in other risky behaviors, such as operating a motor vehicle after having too many drinks.
Because they believe they feel okay
Sometimes, people get behind the wheel before the alcohol that they previously consumed has a chance to kick in. Depending on the individual person and how much they consumed, it can take around 30 minutes for the effects of alcohol to kick in. By that time, the person is already driving and may not have the awareness to pull over and obtain alternate transportation. This is why it is important to plan ahead of time when drinking away from home.
Although none of these reasons is an excuse to drive while impaired, it can be helpful for people to understand why they make certain decisions in order to make better ones in the future.
