Everybody makes mistakes. Unfortunately, as you are probably well aware, some mistakes can cost you a lot more than you thought they might. Take for example the decision to drive after drinking alcohol. In some situations, a person may make this decision after waiting a few hours or after assessing their level of intoxication. Whatever is the case, though, this decision can turn into a costly mistake if you are pulled over and it is determined that you are impaired.
If you’re a regular follower of our blog, then you know that we have called attention to the numerous ways in which a DUI charge can affect someone’s life. From jail time to steep fines, there are many ways in which a DUI can affect your life. But the thing most impacted by a DUI is your job. In today’s post, we’d like to look at three careers that can be ruined because of DUI convictions.
Commercial truck driver
Back in November last year, we explained that a DUI charge can cause you to lose your commercial driver’s license and therefore your job. But what we didn’t explain was the fact that even getting a DUI while driving your personal vehicle can affect your ability to drive a commercial truck or vehicle now and later on in the future.
Bus driver
Under Virginia law, public school bus drivers are required to meet the same license requirements commercial drivers must meet in order to be allowed to legally drive this type of vehicle. Because of this fact, it may not be surprising to learn that certain DUI convictions can not only take away your CDL but your ability to drive a school bus legally as well.
Airline pilot
Although the Federal Aviation Administration admits that a single DUI may not be enough to deny a person from getting their pilot’s license, the federal agency explains that license disqualification is possible, it just depends on the circumstances of your case. If you have received multiple alcohol-related violations or your criminal record shows that you attended an educational or rehabilitation program as part of your sentence, then you may not be considered fit to become a pilot.
Sources: The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles, “Virginia Commercial Driver’s Manual,” Accessed April 6, 2016
The Federal Aviation Administration, “Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners,” Accessed April 6, 2016