Driving while intoxicated or driving under the influence charges carry significant consequences, not only as it relates to a potential jail sentence, but how it can impact your ability to drive. It can also affect a professional license in many fields.
Severe traffic charges like driving on a suspended license or leaving the scene of an accident can also cause your license to be suspended or revoked, in addition to a potential jail sentence.
Points for minor traffic matters such as speeding, negligent driving, etc can also affect certain jobs.
I usually fight those charges and do not routinely plead guilty with an explanation.