One last drink... Is it really worth it?

Contact: Lynn M. Walding, Administrator 515.281.7402 / 515.229.7777

Ankeny, Iowa (December 28, 2004) – Your last drink at a New Year’s party may only cost you about $4, right? Not necessarily. According to the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (Iowa ABD), the potential impact of getting behind the wheel after one final toast could end up costing you significantly more.

A comprehensive cost analysis of an OWI (Operating While under the Influence) conviction breaks down the various fines, fees and other associated expenses and combines them for a staggering average 1st offense total. The Iowa ABD determined that the last drink of the year could end up costing a thousand-fold more if you get pulled over and a breath or blood test reveals at least a .08 percent Blood Alcohol Content (BAC). Moreover, the price jumps exponentially if the drunk driving leads to an accident, injury or death.

During the New Years holiday, a time that can be synonymous with increased alcohol consumption, Iowa ABD Administrator Lynn Walding urges consumers to take the financial, not to mention the societal, costs of an OWI into consideration before driving a vehicle while intoxicated. “The sobering fact is that by emptying their pocket for that last drink, those who overindulge may end up emptying their bank account as well,” Walding cautioned. “Added to the possibility of hurting or killing themselves or others, it’s a risk nobody can afford to take. And it’s certainly not a good way to start the New Year.”

The Iowa ABD’s OWI cost analysis, which is based on an average 1st offense situation, includes typical fines and legal fees. A $1,250 criminal fine, however, is only the beginning of the total cost. Hiring a lawyer, according to a random survey of Iowa attorney prices, would cost $2,000 on average and legal fees would increase significantly if you contested the charge. The analysis also incorporates an estimated five days of foregone wages ($430 based on the average Iowa household income) due to missed work because of court appearances, community service, substance abuse classes and potential jail time.

Furthermore, the Iowa ABD factored in expenses required to legally resume driving. Included are a vehicle towing and storage fee ($57), a drivers license reinstatement fee ($20), a new drivers license ($23), a drivers license civil penalty ($200), an estimated $900 per year auto insurance premium increase and a court-mandated Interlock “blow and go” device ($393), which is installed onto a vehicle’s ignition system and requires an alcohol-free breath of air from the driver to start.

The expenses keep coming even after a convicted drunk driver can legally get behind the wheel again. A substance abuse evaluation ($50), OWI classes ($115) and a probation administration fee ($300) are all required as part of the 1st offense sentence.

“People might think that when you get an OWI, you go to court and pay a fine and you’re done,” Walding added. “In reality, it ends up costing you an arm and a leg – if not your life or someone else’s. Knowing that, before taking your first drive in the New Year, ask yourself, ‘Is it really worth it?’”

Click to view an itemized list of OWI expenses.

Click to view an outline of the criminal penalties for an OWI.

Click to view a chart to calculate Blood Alcohol Content (BAC).

Click to view a printable graphic that breaks down the cost of your last drink "sip by sip."