What could be more dangerous to your health, or that of others on the road, than being at the wheel when you are impaired by alcohol or drugs. One of the greatest tragedies in the nation that has occurred on America’s roadways has been the needless deaths that have resulted from driving while intoxicated. In 2011 alone, according to the Alcohol Alert “Death Clock” there have been 7,622 deaths in America, as of early September.
Every state in America has passed laws that are geared toward preventing drivers from driving while intoxicated or while under the influence of drugs. Simply, just saying no to drunk driving or driving while intoxicated has not been the solution. Some states, like Illinois are considering passing stricter laws to deal with this very serious crime.
How Serious Is The Problem:
When there have been literally tens of thousands of deaths caused by DUI drivers, at times the numbers can be indeed rather numbing. Yet, for the families that have to suffer through the death of a loved one who was a needless victim of this type of crime, the pain can be a reoccurring nightmare.
In 2009 alone there were an estimated 10,839 people who died in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, and an estimated 32 percent of all traffic deaths resulted from drunk driving, suggests the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It is simply troubling to think that every 50 minutes an innocent person is killed in a vehicle crash due to an alcohol impaired drive, according to the website Century Council.
How State Laws Define DUI Types:
Driving while intoxicated under the law generally means that the driver has a blood/alcohol content (BAC) level that is above 0.10. Many states have decided to be proactive in their fight to reduce DUI related deaths and, have lowered the blood/alcohol level to 0.80 for DUIs. It is up to the arresting officer to determine the type of DUI violation the driver may be charged with, after the officer conducts the field sobriety test. This DUI assessment is conducted with a breathalyzer.
The type of DUI violations include, an OWI, or operating while intoxicated with a BAC of .08 percent or higher. A driver is charged with an OWVI, or an operating while visibly impaired or an OWPCS, which occurs when the driver is Operating with the presence of drugs or controlled substances in the vehicle. Some states like Michigan have enacted a super drunk driving law or an OWI High BAC. The drunken drinking penalties are notably higher for drivers who have a BAC that is higher than .17. (reference – website Bzpclaw)
Penalties For DUIs:
The type of penalties that a court will impose upon a driver who is convicted of a DUI are generally similar, with an exception where some states have decided that a driver should be held for other crimes that have resulted from this reckless conduct. For instance, if a child’s life was endangered due to the drunk’s driver’s conduct while the child under the age of 16 was in the car at the time, the driver can be charged with reckless endangerment.
With the first offense, a state court will order point be added the driver’s license, as well as suspend the drivers’ license. If the driver is a repeat offender the penalties become increasingly harsher, and can result in permanent suspension of the drivers’ license, confiscation of the vehicle and Criminal jail time, according to the website Findlaw.
Intoxication is not a joke, it is impairment of your mental and physical functions. If you have trouble making good choices before or after you drink or otherwise indulge in altering substances, it may be time for professional help; attending an Alcohol Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meeting in your local area may save your life, or someone else’s.
Author bio: Sandy Petersen is a legal consultant and content contributor for a legal firm which deals with DUI laws in Illinois, providing relief for those charged with driving under the influence.
Related links:
- If a loved one is in the habit of drinking and driving, better get them to a private alcohol and drug addiction treatment center before it’s too late.
2 Responses to “Driving Under the Influence – What You Need to Know”
I’ve done a few researches on how alcohol affect the way our brain functions and it increases as its concentration in our blood increases, alcohol is dangerous and I would strongly restrict any member from my family in drinking it even if they are not driving..
Terry- Alcohol consumption is typically bad if you don’t do it in moderation. Going on drinking binges and drinking until you pass out certainly kills brain cells and increases the aging process. It can also be deadly.
However, drinking a few glasses of wine a week can be good for you. Again, with moderation.