Drinking and Driving: Why It Happens and How to Prevent It

For instance, in the United States, the legal limit is 0.08% for drivers over 21, while commercial drivers have a lower limit of 0.04%. It’s also important to know that refusing the breathalyzer test doesn’t mean you won’t be charged consequences of driving drunk include: with a DUI. You can still be arrested based on other evidence, such as your behavior or the results of a field sobriety test. Refusing the test can also be used against you in court as evidence that you might have been under the influence.

t DUI Conviction

• Repeat offenders may face more severe penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines.
• Plenty of people know that drinking and driving don’t mix — but many still do it.
• Alcohol-impaired driving is the cause of thousands of drinking and driving accidents and fatalities each year.
• While effective at preventing drunk driving, an ignition interlock device can be costly and inconvenient for the offender.

Some states take further steps to make sure the person (particularly a repeat offender) doesn’t get back on the road while under the influence. The state might confiscate the car or cancel its registration, either temporarily or permanently. Or the state might require an ignition interlock device (IID) to be attached to the offender’s car. But, generally, the same kinds of factors that increase jail time also increase the amount of the fine the driver can expect to pay. Once an individual is convicted of a DUI offense, there is a record of it somewhere. In many cases, individuals are required to report these offenses on job applications and for other purposes, such as when applying to the military, applying to certain colleges, etc.

Impact on Families

• With the exception of life or death emergencies, drunk drivers gain very little from choosing to drive while intoxicated.
• Being a victim of a drunk driving accident can be an overwhelming and traumatic experience.
• Seeking help is a vital step towards recovery and reducing the risk of drunk driving.
• In the United States, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about one-third of all traffic-related deaths involve alcohol.

Second-time DUI offenders may have their driver’s license revoked, though they can generally reapply after the revocation period ends. Stay safe on the roads, make responsible choices when it comes to alcohol consumption and driving, and remember that professional legal help is available if you find yourself in need. Together, we can work towards eliminating drunk driving and creating safer communities for everyone. At Crossen Law Firm, we understand the complexities and challenges that come with facing a DUI charge. Our team of experienced attorneys is committed to providing professional, trustworthy, and empathetic legal representation to those dealing with drunk driving offenses in Indiana. Law enforcement agencies employ various strategies to detect and deter drunk drivers.

Typical Penalties for a First, Second, and Third DUI

DUI offenders may be mandated to attend driver safety or drug addiction treatment driver education courses during their sentencing. Zero-tolerance laws impose automatic penalties for underage DUI offenders, regardless of actual impairment or the presence of factors that might otherwise mitigate the sentence. In some cases, a judge may impose additional financial penalties or fees, such as court costs, which can further increase the financial burden on the offender. Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as drunk driving, is a criminal offense that can lead to incarceration.

License Suspension

State laws that prohibit underage drinking and driving go by different names such as “zero-tolerance,” “underage DUI,” “minor DUI,” “not-a-drop,” and the like. An impaired driving incident will also result in driver’s license penalties. Preventing drinking and driving starts before the next time you plan to drink. You can use a technique of examining each individual decision you made in the past that led to a specific outcome, such as driving under the influence. In a small study that interviewed 72 young adults across Montana about reasons for drinking and driving, participants cite a lack of transportation options (9). Some say even asking someone else for a ride or using the designated driver method could be considered unreasonable because people often live far from each other.

• This financial burden can strain relationships and disrupt the stability of families already dealing with the emotional upheaval caused by the accident.
• These technologies provide alternatives and deterrents for individuals tempted to drive under the influence.
• DWI (driving while intoxicated) and DUI (driving under the influence) can be confusing terms for new and experienced motorists alike!
• But, generally, the same kinds of factors that increase jail time also increase the amount of the fine the driver can expect to pay.