Drunk Driving Is The Leading Cause Of Highway Deaths
According to statistics maintained by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, 17,013 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in
2003-an average of one death almost every half-hour. These deaths constituted
approximately 40 percent of the 42,642 total traffic deaths in 2003. And
this does not include drug-related crashes-which are also penalized under
most DUI/DWI laws.
In addition, it appears that the states are continually increasing the penalties for drunk driving and decreasing the threshold for legal intoxication. In most states, the blood alcohol content required to establish drunk driving used to be .10 percent. Now, in all 50 states, that number has been reduced to .08 percent, making it much easier to convict you for drunk driving. Indeed, many experts in this area predict that, with all of the public outcry against drunk driving, the war on drugs, and the increasingly rightward shift of the electorate and most state legislatures, most states will make it even easier to convict you of drunk driving, and will increase the penalties for a DUI conviction.
If You Want To Avoid A Drunk Driving Conviction, Don't Drive Drunk
Obviously, if you want to avoid a drunk driving conviction, don't drink or
use drugs before operating an automobile. Of course, sometimes you won't
be able to avoid mixing drinking and driving. You still have many options.
Obviously, a designated driver is a great way to go. But if you happen
to be with a group where even your designated driver has had a few drinks,
you still have options. First, consider public transportation or a cab.
No matter what it costs you to get a ride back home and then return the
next day for your car, it'll cost you a lot less than a fine, a suspended
driver's license, and a possible jail sentence. If you need a reminder
about the serious consequences you'll face if you're convicted of drunk
driving, you can read about DUI penalties or the DUI laws in your state.
In addition, there are a number of companies springing up throughout the country that specifically cater to individuals who need a ride home. One company uses individuals dressed up in chauffeurs' uniforms on scooters who will drive to your location if you can't drive home, fold up their scooter and put it in your trunk, and then drive you home in your own car. Again, this is not cheap, but would rather have a criminal conviction on your record?
If you absolutely can't avoid driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol (and we are certainly not advising you to do so), you obviously have to be extra cautious, obey all traffic laws, make sure all of your lights are on (if required), and that your car is operating properly. If you don't follow these precautions, you'll give the police reasonable cause to pull you over and test you for DUI.
