DRINK DRIVERS rarely think of the crippling effects of being convicted.

"I won't get caught," is the common fallacy. But the more you risk it the more chance there is of being nabbed. And that's when you find out just what it's going to cost you in terms of hard cash and, possibly, freedom.

What could a drink driving conviction mean to you?

First time offenders who are just over the limit face a minimum of a 12 month ban and £300 fine.

For those twice the limit, they are looking at a minimum of 24 months; three times the limit and you could face a 30-month ban or even a few months behind bars.

If you have been convicted before then you will face much longer bans, higher fines and the possibility of having your case transferred to Crown Court where you could face a much longer prison sentence. Massive hikes in insurance rates are certain. We contacted several companies and got a variety of responses, none of them good news for the drunk driver.

You will undoubtedly face a massive increase in premiums -- double at least -- if you can get insurance at all. Many companies will look very long and hard before accepting you and it will be an uphill struggle.

Some will not even look twice at someone who has a drink driving conviction on their licences making it very difficult for you to own a car.

Friends, family and colleagues will not take kindly to a conviction, thinking quite rightly that your recklessness could have injured or killed one of their loved ones.

Many employers ask for a clean driving licence before they will take you on. Job opportunities could be severely limited.

And you will have to catch buses or taxis or become a nuisance to family or friends.

The inconvenience will be dramatic; so will the cost. And you will only have yourself to blame. No one forced that last drink or two down your throat. It's all down to YOU!