What is the sentence for hitting someone while driving drunk?
In recent years, traffic accidents caused by drunk driving have occurred frequently and have become the focus of social attention. Drunk driving not only endangers one's own safety, but also poses a serious threat to the lives and property of others. So, what is the legal punishment for a drunk driver who hits someone? This article will give you a detailed analysis from a legal perspective, combined with recent hot cases.
1. Legal definition and harm of drunk driving

According to the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China, drunk driving refers to the act of driving a motor vehicle after the driver's blood alcohol content reaches or exceeds the legal limit (20mg/100ml). The dangers of drunk driving include:
| Hazard type | Specific performance |
|---|---|
| Reduced responsiveness | Alcohol delays neurological reactions, preventing drivers from responding to emergencies in a timely manner |
| diminished judgment | Alcohol affects brain function and makes it easy to make wrong judgments |
| visual impairment | Alcohol may cause blurred vision and increase the risk of accidents |
2. Criminal liability for drunk driving collision
Hitting someone while drunk driving is a serious illegal act and may constitute the following crimes depending on the severity of the circumstances:
| crime | Components | Sentencing standards |
|---|---|---|
| dangerous driving offense | Blood alcohol content ≥80mg/100ml | Detention for 1 to 6 months and a fine |
| traffic accident crime | Causing serious injury or death to more than 1 person | Fixed-term imprisonment of not more than 3 years or criminal detention |
| Crime of endangering public safety by dangerous means | The circumstances were particularly bad and caused heavy casualties. | Fixed-term imprisonment of more than 10 years, life imprisonment or death penalty |
3. Key factors affecting sentencing
The court will comprehensively consider the following factors when making its decision:
| factor category | Specific content | degree of influence |
|---|---|---|
| subjective aspect | Whether to escape or surrender? | significant |
| objective aspect | Number of casualties, property damage | significant |
| Compensation situation | Whether to actively compensate victims | medium |
| Criminal record | Do you have a history of drunk driving? | medium |
4. Analysis of recent hot cases
In October 2023, a drunk driving collision and death occurred in a certain place, which aroused widespread concern in society. In this case, the perpetrator's blood alcohol content was as high as 180mg/100ml, and he was escaping. In the end, the court sentenced him to 5 years in prison for the crime of traffic accident and compensated the victim's family for economic losses of 800,000 yuan.
5. How to avoid drunk driving tragedy
1. Keep in mind the principle of "driving without drinking, drinking without driving"
2. Use a driving service or choose other means of transportation
3. Friends should supervise and remind each other when gathering
4. Understand the legal consequences and social harm of drunk driving
6. Conclusion
Drunk driving harms others and itself, and the law always maintains a high-pressure stance on drunk driving. We hope that through the analysis of this article, we can improve the public's awareness of the dangers of drunk driving and jointly maintain road traffic safety. You only have one life, don't let a moment of luck lead to an irreversible tragedy.
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