A solution for eliminating drunk driving may be accomplished with an Ignition Interlock Device for detecting alcohol consumption. Although, some states incorporate the mandatory installation of such a device, it is usually with repeat offenders. Should more states enact this device with first time offenders, it may be a win-win situation for all parties involved. 4 Reasons Ignition Interlock Devices are a Win-Win for DUIs Although the legal consequences for a DUI vary in each state, most will involve a suspension of license, fines and educational training. In addition, some states have adapted the installation of a breath analyzer, known as an ignition interlock device (IID) that connects inside the car. This device measures the driver's …show more content…
The IID Eliminates Plea Deals Offenders may find themselves involved in a plea agreement through a DUI attorney. Although, this may eliminate the suspended license, it usually involves a hefty fine. Organizations, such as Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) have opposed plea deals, as it does not keep a potential repeat offender off the roads. MADD advocates the mandatory installation of the electronic device for first time offenders. The IID Cost Offsets Fines Mandatory installation of the IID may alleviate the enormous fines imposed on lawbreakers. However, there is still a punitive cost placed on the driver for the installation of the device and the monthly fee. Typically, the one-time installation fee is approximately $100 and a recurring fee around $50 per month. The installation of an IID has the ability to take drunk drivers off the road. At that same time, it can ease the financial hardship of hefty fines and license suspension for first-time offenders. At this time, the device is not capable of detecting illegal drug use, but is a first step in eliminating alcohol related
The first reason drunk drivers should be imprisoned because they are likely to repeat the behavior. Sadly, a DUI does not stop offenders from
Drinking and driving is said to be the primary contributor to automotive related deaths. “By law, a driver is considered to be impaired by alcohol if his or her blood alcohol content is 0.08 percent or higher” (Holzmueller). As a matter of fact, “in 2010, about 86 percent of all fatalities alcohol-involved crashes were in cases where a driver or pedestrian had a BAC of .08 or higher” (“The Economic and Societal Impact of Motor Vehicle Crashes, 2010” 147). Laws and penalties have been created and applied in recent years that make it more difficult to get away with drinking and driving. If drivers are charged with alcohol-impaired driving, “they face suspension or revocation of their license” (Holzmueller).
A DUI conviction is a permanent part of ones driving record. Even though alcohol related accidents are on the decline, statistics show that a drunk driver kills someone every forty-five minutes. More so, fifty to seventy percent of drunk drivers whose licenses are suspended continue to drive. In 2000, alcohol related crashes cost the public $114.3 billion dollars! Drunk driving carries with it serious penalties from the court system and car insurance companies. One moment of fun can turn into a lifetime of heartache and tragedy. Therefore, it is not worth the risk. Possible prevention measures and solutions are not only for the law enforcement, but for the public as well. Drunk drivers face a hardcore court system, which is intolerant of DUI. Stricter penalties such as automatic licenses revocation, mandatory jail sentencing, vehicle impounding, and licenses plate confiscating are just a few ways the judicial system is handling the DUI problem. Programs such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving and Students Against Drunk Driving have led the way to bringing awareness to society. People need to be responsible and supervise their consumption to ensure that they do not drink too much. They have a moral and a legal responsibility to make sure of this. It is always best to have a designated driver. The most effective way people can prevent driving drunk is to make a personal decision not to drink
While both of these options will allow drivers to keep driving, they will minimize the chances of receiving another DUI charge.
Impaired driving is a world wide problem that people are searching for a solution too, but it is very hard to find. So we wonder, what
3. the installation of an ignition interlock device on your car (to disable the car if you have consumed alcohol),
In my opinion this is a very good idea to add to vehicles because this would decrease deaths due to drunk driving dramatically. Ignition Interlocks is basically the same thing as Advance Vehicle Technology because it would force convicted drunk drivers to do a sober breath sample before driving. Drunk drivers don’t have excuses to drive under the influence when their is public transportation and ridesharing app, or you can have a non-drinking driver that can safely take you home. “To end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes, and prevent underage drinking.” MADD establishes Victim Impact Panels, it allows victims to tell their story and hopefully make an effort in stopping drunk drivers from driving while being under the influence. Tie One On For Safety has been MADD’s longest campaign stating that everyone should fasten their seatbelt before they start driving, this year MADD celebrates their 30th anniversary of the campaign.
Driving under the influence of alcohol is “one of Americas most often committed and deadliest crimes” (). A financial burden on society, motor vehicle crashes cost the United States an estimate of $37 billion annually (). Impaired driving continues to amplify in the United States, in addition to this, prevention laws differ from state to state. An increase in traffic accidents correlates to alcohol, moreover, “Alcohol-impairment is a factor in nearly one-third of all fatalities” (). The Governors Highway Safety Association (2016) examines the issues of impaired driving and the methods use to prevent and decrease DUIs.
I remember being eight years old and looking out the window; my heart was heavy as I examined the giant crushed piece of metal sitting in my driveway. It looked as if a herd of thousand horses trampled viciously on top of my mom’s maroon colored Jeep Cherokee. It was clear to see my dad was drinking and driving again. All too often drivers decide to put their keys in the ignition, start the car, and head off onto public roads, despite the fact that their motor abilities and mental judgement has been impaired from drinking alcohol. Drinking and driving is a devastating crime that affects the lives of many. When people decide to drink and drive, they are at risk of getting their license suspended, getting
U.S. Department of Transportation. "About Drunk Driving." MADD - About Drunk Driving. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 25 Jan. 2011. Web. 23
Even though drunk driving may not be one of the highest leading causes of death, it is still an enormous issue. As we all know, an inebriated person behind the wheel is extremely
Carl McDonald, of MADD, is quick to point out that while the campaign group is in favor of mandatory interlock penalties in all cases of DUI or DWI, or for about 1.5 million Americans convicted each year; the group is not in favor of a rollout of breathalyzers in every new car.
Administrative license suspension laws to allow police to confiscate license from someone who is tested positive at or above the legal BAC limit or anyone who refuses to be tested. State will decide how long they will suspend the license but 90 days suspension is reasonable.
Drunk driving is a serious problem, and much has been done in recent years to stop it. Every day drunk drivers are arrested,
Now a day, driving while intoxicated has become America’s deadliest crime. There were more than 11,000 alcohol-impaired deaths in 2008, sadly those death were preventable if we had more severe Laws against this issue. Drivers are well aware of the Laws and consequences against drunk driving, especially after destroying families due to their carelessness decision. Victims’ Families entire life are ruined because of the sudden death of their loved one, and they are never going to be able to reclaim their normal life, while the offenders after a few days in prison reclaims he’s normal life. As a result of our fragile criminal justice system everyday road users share the road with repeat offenders who are highly resistant to change their