Driving Under The Influence And Your Car Insurance Premium
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Everyone is aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs. Numerous studies have shown that these substances can greatly reduce your ability to drive in a cautious and alert manner. Driving under the influence can cause aggressive driving, and road rage. Even worse, it can cause extreme drowsiness, resulting in the driver falling asleep at the wheel, or having greatly impaired levels of concentration. There have been extensive studies under controlled conditions about the effect that alcohol has on a person’s ability to drive properly, adhere to road rules and obstructions and also react accordingly in an unexpected driving situation.
But unfortunately, the proof is in the pudding. In South Africa, the number one cause of motor vehicle accidents is due to driving whilst under the influence of alcohol. People are dying on the roads every day due to drunken driving. If the police record you driving under the influence of alcohol and you are convicted, it will go on your criminal record. Almost all car insurance companies will do a check of your criminal record before insuring you, and if you have a DUI on your name, you will probably pay a much, much higher premium than anyone else. You will be seen as a high risk person to insure, as the motor insurance companies know that drunken driving results in accidents, and if you have been known to drive under the influence before, then you are in an unfortunate insurance position! Being caught under the influence of recreational drugs can double your insurance premium for the future! A lot of people are under the impression that they cannot be caught for being intoxicated on illegal substances whilst driving, but this is not always true. The traffic police have their ways and means of determining and testing whether you are under the influence on the roadside. You will be in an even worse position if you are found to be in possession of illegal substance, as you will have possession of illegal substances, and also DUI on your record.
Do not despair if you HAVE been caught for driving under the influence. Compile as many car insurance quotes as possible in order for you to try and find the best deal.