While making plans for a night of fun in the city, people should be sure to give transportation a second thought. Instead of risking driving, especially if you know you will be drinking, people should consider taking a cab or rideshare. The cost difference between typical rideshare in Chicago versus getting a DUI is astronomical. Yet, for some reason, people still risk driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This post will compare the costs a person faces when ordering rideshare versus the DUI cost.  

Rideshare Costs

Just about everyone enjoys a night out in the city, but that enjoyment ends when a driver is pulled over for DUI. Although the thought of spending a bit more on your night out to call an Uber or Lyft sounds pointless, it could help you avoid massive penalties. Before we get to those penalties though, let’s discuss the cost of typical rideshare in Chicago. Data released in 2019 suggests that “26 percent of trips were $5, 21 percent were $7, and 14 percent was $10.” For those who live outside the city, the prices would be higher, yet even then it would not compare to the cost of a DUI.

DUI Costs

Since the discussion for this post revolves around money, that will be the main focus of this portion. Obviously bodily harm and death are worse scenarios for drivers and victims. But for the purpose of this post, comparing costs allows people to see the immediate impact to their wallet. A typical DUI in Illinois will cost a driver around $3000, depending on severity and frequency. In other words, if you have previous violations or the accident you cause hurts or kills someone, the costs go up. On top of that, your auto insurance company raises your rates, and a court will force you to obtain a Sr-22 financial responsibility form.