Getting behind the wheel when drunk is bad even if you're an adult. Your reflexes are impaired, especially the more that you've had to drink. It can be worse if it's someone underage. Here's why it's so dangerous and why you need to contact DUI lawyers if your underage friend or family member is arrested.

Lives Cut Short

Younger people tend to think that they are immortal. They take chances with a lot of things even when they haven't had any alcohol. But if they've been drinking, their judgment can be severely compromised, along with their reaction time. They may think they have more time to beat a light than they do, and might not see a car turning in front of them. This can lead to tragedy, either in a life cut short or someone so badly injured that they can't walk again.

Broken Relationships

This is one of the times when friendships can end in the blink of an eye, whether it's through loss if someone passes away in an accident or if they are badly injured. It can affect family relationships too. While there are individual circumstances, it can be hard for people to forgive if it involves something avoidable like drinking and driving.

Time Lost in the Justice System

Getting caught driving under the influence usually means a lengthy run-in with the justice system. Offenders can even serve time in prison or juvenile detention centers. Hopefully, once a youth has served their time, they turn away from risky behavior. According to youth.gov, 92% of incarcerated youth had decreased or limited illegal activity when they left.

There are a lot of different circumstances that lead to a drinking addiction at a young age. Add the fact that a person's brain doesn't fully develop until their mid-to-late 20s, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, and it's no wonder they make these mistakes. This can all be stopped if the drinking problem is caught before anyone gets behind the wheel. However, if you know a young person who has been involved in drunk driving, you may need to contact DUI lawyers for help. The Law Offices of Jason Pollack, Esq can represent you in these kinds of cases. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.