Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

by Caleb Fleschner

Last Updated July 6, 2026 In Newsletter

Driving is a privilege many of us take for granted. Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage during our teen years, and after a few shaky first months behind the wheel, we quickly become accustomed to our daily commutes and the challenges of driving.

Because of that familiarity, it’s easy to forget how demanding driving actually is, and to no longer recognize how dangerous it is to not be fully focused on the road and in control of your fine motor skills. Too many people underestimate the effects that alcohol has on their ability to drive safely, whether they’re buzzed, tipsy, or heavily intoxicated, and put themselves and others in serious danger.

As attorney Caleb Fleschner explains, “We see the devastating consequences of impaired driving every year. These crashes are almost always preventable, and yet they continue to change, and end, lives in an instant.”

Drunk Driving Is Far Too Common in America

When it comes to actions that impair driving skills, there are few as dangerous as drinking alcohol. According to the FBI’s most recent national crime data, there are still more than 1 million DUI arrests each year in the United States (most recently reported in the 2023–2024 reporting cycle). However, those arrests represent only a fraction of impaired drivers on the road at any given time. Research continues to show that many individuals who drive under the influence do so repeatedly, often dozens of times before ever being arrested, with some studies estimating an average of around 80 impaired driving episodes before a first DUI arrest.

In addition, alcohol-impaired driving remains a leading cause of fatal crashes. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in 2022, 13,524 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, accounting for approximately 31% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. That averages to roughly 37 people killed every day in alcohol-related crashes nationwide.

Law enforcement agencies in Indiana and throughout the country continue working to reduce drunk driving incidents, but prevention ultimately depends on drivers making responsible choices and never getting behind the wheel while impaired.

Local police and state troopers are always on the lookout for impaired drivers. And when those drivers get caught, they face serious consequences that can affect them for life:

• Loss of driver’s license—Even first-time offenders will have their licenses revoked for up to 180 days in Indiana. Second and third offenses can result in one-year suspensions.
• Jail time—All offenders face up to 60 days in jail after being arrested for a DUI/OWI, and that can go up to a full year behind bars if their BAC is 0.15% or higher.
• Fines—The minimum fine for DUI/OWI in Indiana is $500. Drivers with BACs at or over 0.15% face $5,000 fines. Those fines are often just a small fraction of the total costs of a DUI/OWI, which can include legal fees, court costs, vehicle recovery fees, and lost wages.
• Public record of arrest—Mandatory jail time and loss of license can make it difficult for people with DUIs to keep their jobs. And if their arrests are made public via newspapers and other sources, it can be difficult to keep future employers from discovering that via internet searches.

The combination of an extremely elevated risk of being involved in a serious or fatal crash and facing life-changing legal consequences for a DUI/OWI citation make driving drunk one of the worst decisions you can possibly make. If you plan on drinking, designate a driver, use public transportation, schedule a rideshare, or stay where you are. Getting behind the wheel while drunk is never worth it.

We Help Innocent Victims Harmed by Drunk and Negligent Drivers

In addition to drunk driving, many drivers also engage in dangerous behaviors such as speeding, texting, running red lights and stop signs, and more without thinking of the consequences. And when they hurt innocent people, they should be held accountable for the damages they cause.

At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, our Indiana auto accident lawyers help innocent victims who were harmed by negligent drivers. If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to assist you. Call us today for a free consultation.