Drunk driving is a serious offense. It puts you and others in unnecessary danger. If a driver is convicted of drunk driving, typically his or her drivers license is revoked or suspended.

A conviction for drunk driving can also result in higher insurance rates or nonrenewal of an auto insurance policy because a drunk driver represents a greater risk to the insurance company.

Underage drinking remains a factor in teenage highway fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in 2005, among fatally injured drivers 15- to 20-years old, 23 percent had a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08, the level at which all states define drunk driving.

This proportion has not changed in 10 years, despite efforts by various organizations that have waged war against underage drinking. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is one organization that has fought this problem for more than 20 years.

It has been instrumental in organizing various campaigns to educate the public about the effects of driving while intoxicated.

In addition, many insurance companies sponsor initiatives and events that discourage underage drinking and drunk driving.

Information provided by Insurance Information Institute (III).