Impaired driving laws can be complex and punish those convicted with severe fines and costs associated with reinstatement fees, ignition interlock device fees, courses and towing.
While alcohol-related impaired driving rates are steadily decreasing, drug related incidents have seen a steady increase. In 2015, police-reported drug-impaired driving incidents were less likely to be cleared by charge than alcohol related ones.
1. Drinking and Driving
States vary when it comes to what constitutes impairment, with most having zero-tolerance laws that criminalize driving with even minimal amounts of alcohol, and often establishing blood alcohol content (BAC) thresholds at which drivers are considered legally drunk. Furthermore, other substances can significantly impair driving abilities – both prescribed medications and illicit substances can have this impact.
Drunk driving can have devastating repercussions for individuals, their finances and careers – particularly if an accident results in injury or death. Even first-time offenders face fines, jail time and license revocation.
People drink and drive for various reasons, including the misconception that they can still drive after having been drinking. Unfortunately, alcohol takes 30 to 2 hours to fully soak into your system, leading to impaired judgment, reduced reaction times, decreased vision, as well as higher accident risks for certain groups – such as young drivers and people with prior DUI convictions.
There are various strategies available to you for reducing the risks of drinking and driving, such as abstaining entirely or only drinking at home where you can easily control how much is consumed. You should also try eating before drinking to help slow the absorption of alcohol into your system and limit consumption. It is also vital that drivers wear their seat belt and stay awake behind the wheel; ridesharing services offer safe alternatives should someone needing rides home after a night out drink too much; finally if someone you know has been drinking ask them to stay the night or arrange safe ways home before they get behind the wheel themselves.
2. Drinking and Driving While Pregnant
Pregnancy comes with its own set of safety precautions that all women must follow, from wearing seat belts and avoiding certain foods to not drinking and driving – something most states have laws or regulations against, which is why there may be restrictions or penalties against drinking while pregnant.
Reasoning behind this decision is straightforward for any driver: drinking while driving is dangerous for both mother and baby alike, potentially leading to lower birth weight babies or premature deliveries, among many other consequences. Not just those driving while drinking alcohol must worry about these potential outcomes – anyone found drinking and driving could face arrest charges and jail time.
Thankfully, CDC guidelines clearly state that no safe level of alcohol consumption exists for expectant mothers; however, this medical advice can sometimes be misinterpreted by law enforcement officers and prosecutors who believe any level of drinking warrants punishment.
Pregnant women could suffer serious consequences as a result, fearing losing custody and opting not to seek prenatal care, according to Liane. Lower-income women in particular are at greater risk from punitive policies.
Roberts remains optimistic that more positive strategies to reduce drunk driving can be successful, such as the graduated approach to drunk driving in which drivers receive education and treatment after their first offense; for any subsequent offense they risk their license being taken away. She suggests this model might also assist pregnant women who risk drinking but hesitate to seek assistance due to fears of prosecution or losing their child.
3. Drinking and Driving While Driving a Vehicle
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and/or other drugs (DUI) is considered an offense in most states, often carrying heavy fines, jail time and suspension or revocation of one’s driver’s license. Individuals convicted may also be required to attend rehabilitation or treatment programs as punishment.
Legally drunk individuals have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of 0.08 percent or higher; however, even lower levels can still cause impairment and lead to reduced coordination, an inability to track moving objects accurately, impaired decision-making abilities and decreased ability.
DUI (driving under the influence) charges are increasingly prevalent and may apply to drivers operating cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats and snowmobiles. Furthermore, many states also prohibit driving under the influence of other drugs besides alcohol including illicit and prescribed medications.
Recognizing whether someone is driving while impaired can be challenging without professional expertise and even medical professionals can sometimes make errors when estimating levels of impairment in patients. Even though stricter DUI laws have been put into effect and enforcement is stricter, many still commit this offense.
Avoiding impaired driving charge requires abstaining from drinking and driving entirely, designating a sober driver prior to heading out for the evening (either calling a friend, taking a taxi ride, or staying put for the duration). Wear your seat belt when driving and stay alert for drunk drivers – one DUI conviction could negatively impact many aspects of your life, such as relationships, trust issues and missed opportunities for personal growth or career advancement as well as possible financial ramifications.