The worst way to celebrate any holiday, birthday, anniversary or wedding is with the loss of your freedom–or life.

During holidays, such as the Fourth of July, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports more people die in motor vehicle accidents than any other day of the year.

Risk

Driving under the influence is risky for you and anyone else you meet on the road. If you are driving while intoxicated, you are putting other drivers at risk. If you hit another vehicle while drunk driving, you will be held responsible.

You are also putting your own life in danger. Think through your actions before making a life-altering decision. DWIs are not only dangerous but expensive.

Cost

Even if you are lucky enough to avoid an accident, you may still get jail time and hefty fines.

If you are arrested for a DWI, you may have to spend the rest of the weekend in jail. If you get arrested on a holiday weekend, you may not be able to see a judge until the following Monday or Tuesday.

Additionally, the average cost of a DWI is between $5,000 and $25,000 after fines, court costs and DMV fees. On top of that, your insurance company can triple your car insurance premium for up to five years after the offense.

For example, if your monthly insurance payment is $100 now, it may be raised as high as $300 per month, increasing your cost from $1,200 to $3,600 per year, for the same amount of coverage, for the next five years.

If your holiday or lifetime celebration includes drinking, make sure you have a sober cab or a place to stay.

How to avoid a DWI

The best way to prevent a DWI is to refrain from driving if you have had one or more alcoholic beverage.

  • Plan a sober ride. Don’t wait until the last minute to find a ride. Make plans ahead of time so that you can safely get from one location to the next.
  • Get a place to stay. If you cannot find a sober ride, stay with a friend or rent a hotel room. Find a safe place that is within walking distance and sleep there.
  • Don’t leave. If you don’t have a ride or a place to stay, consider hosting. Have your friends stay at your place.

Extra law enforcement

The New York State Police will be increasing patrol. The department intends to catch drivers that are putting others in danger. Over the Fourth of July, there were increased DUI patrols and various sobriety checkpoints. Consider the risk and cost associated with drunk driving before you decide to get behind the wheel.