With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, many revelers will take to local bars and taverns to celebrate. Unfortunately, some will try to drive home while under the influence of alcohol, putting themselves and other drivers on the road at risk.

According to data from the California Highway Patrol, the number of fatal accidents involving drivers under the influence of alcohol increases in months with major holidays. Nearly 44 percent of all traffic fatalities during St. Patrick’s Day involved a drunk driver. By comparison, 31 percent of fatal accidents involve drunk drivers each year as a whole.

According to the National Highway Safety Administration, nearly half of the drivers involved in fatal car accidents on St. Patrick’s Day last year had an illegal blood alcohol content of .08 or above, and 63 percent of those impaired drivers died in a crash.

Driving under the influence is incredibly dangerous to you and others, and the negative consequences from death, injury, jail time and loss of license have been well-publicized by anti-drinking and driving campaigns. However, many people may not fully comprehend the financial cost of a DUI arrest.

For a first time offender, the emotional toll can be devastating, and the economic toll of a DUI arrest can be significant.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the cost of a DUI, even for a first-time offender, can surpass $6,600. A first-time offender can expect the following costs at a minimum:

• $215 for towing and storage (this cost varies widely)

• $1,000 and up for fines (depending on enhancements this could skyrocket)

• $800 plus for court costs

• $626 for DUI classes

• $2,500 for attorney fees (could surpass $5,000)

• $500 to $1,500 per year in increased auto insurance premiums (for at least three years)

• Loss of driver’s license for six months or more

Most municipalities also add enhancements when drunken driving is added to other infractions, including speeding, running a red light, or having minors in the car at the time of the arrest. These enhancements can add thousands of dollars to the total cost.

Take a taxi, take the bus or even rent a limo. Just don’t drink and drive. Ultimately, the cost of any of these alternatives will be far less than being arrested for driving under the influence.

(Gregory Dunton runs an Allstate insurance agency in Napa.)