In 2007, a study conducted by the Department of Transportation revealed that nearly 13,000 people have died in road accidents which involved drunk drivers. While there is a 3.7 percent decline in “driving under the influence” (DUI) cases compared to the previous year, the agency said that the number of drunk motorcycle riders who were killed in road accidents have doubled.
DUI Laws
• All states follow the 0.08 percent alcohol limit. In the past, the limit was 0.10 percent, but this was changed since having this blood alcohol concentration may already diminish a person’s response and decision-making.
• The law is stricter with teen drivers or those under the age of 21. When their blood alcohol concentration is .01 or 0.02 percent, they will face criminal charges.
• Authorities have the right to confiscate the driver’s license of people involved in DUI cases, even if they will refused to undergo testing.
• For offenders under the age of 21, their license will be suspended for a year. Meanwhile, drunk drivers aged 21 and above will have their license suspended in four months in the first offense, but in the second time (within a period of 10 years) they will be suspended for a year.
DUI Screening Project
Because drunk driving often results to road accidents, authorities created a DUI Screening Project that will create a profile of offenders. In this program, it will be easier for law enforcers to know the demographic areas which have the highest rate of DUI, allowing them to focus their efforts and campaigns.
This program also created more laboratories to sample the urine and blood samples of people believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
Avoiding DUI-related Accidents
Because DUI is one of the major causes of road accidents in the US, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has spent $13 million in advertising in 2007 to reach high risk demographic groups.
Meanwhile, the NHTSA provided these helpful tips to avoid DUI as a cause of car accident:
1. When going to a party where alcohol drinks will be served, make sure to assign a driver who will not drink and remain sober.
2. Do not ride in the car when the driver is drunk.
3. Report to authorities if someone is believed to be driving under the influence of alcohol.
4. There are several medications which should not be taken with even a small amount of alcohol. According to studies, some pain relievers, anti-depression pills, medication for common colds, and even over-the-counter-drugs can exacerbate the effects of alcohol, diminishing the reaction and decision-making of the driver that will make him prone to road accidents.
Other Facts About DUI
• In California, 65 percent of drivers involved in hit-and-run accidents are intoxicated, with half of them driving uninsured, unlicensed, or with suspended license.
• A huge percent of DUI drivers have also taken drugs or medications. According to the Department of Public Safety, there is a growing number of motorists who are combining alcohol with drugs.
• Testing blood samples, urine, and breath of a person can determine if he has violated the DUI law.
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