About DUIs

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a highly dangerous behavior. Impairments in vision, reflexes and judgment, which commonly result when consuming alcohol, make operating a vehicle extremely challenging. You may think you are OK to drive, but even the slightest sluggishness can have disastrous consequences that will affect you for the rest of your life.

History

Prior to the use of breathalyzers, police officers had drivers engage in field sobriety tests if they suspected the driver was intoxicated. Such tests included walking a straight line to demonstrate balance and coordination. Arrests were then made based on the subjective judgments of police officers regarding the driver's ability to perform these tasks. Although these tests continue to be used, they are used in conjunction with breathalyzers. Breathalyzers are an objective measure of a person's alcohol consumption.

Features

In order to be charged with DUI, it has to be proven that an individual was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. The amount of alcohol consumed must be enough to cause significant impairment to the driver's ability to drive. By determining an individual's blood alcohol content (BAC), the amount of alcohol in the blood, the extent of impairment can be estimated.

Identification

Driving while intoxicated often results in recklessness. Drivers typically fail to notice or disregard speed, stop signs, traffic lights or even other vehicles on the road. Since intoxicated drivers have trouble keeping the car straight, they tend to swerve or take up two lanes. These instances lead police officers to pull the driver over and request a breathalyzer test be taken to determine the driver's BAC. In the United States, a BAC of .08 percent or over is considered intoxicated.

Effects

Driving under the influence makes the driver more prone to accidents and puts lives in jeopardy. In addition to being arrested and having your car insurance rates increase, there are much more serious risks such as injury or death. Each state has different laws in place for those convicted of DUI. Some states take possession of your car or revoke your driver's license for a period of time. A first time offense is usually considered a misdemeanor resulting in a fine and up to a year in jail if there was no bodily injury. When charged with a DUI more than once, it is considered a felony punishable by at least one year in prison. If the death of another was caused as the result of driving under the influence, more serious charges such as manslaughter can occur.

Prevention/Solution

Designating a driver is often a good idea when going to a function where you will be drinking. Taking a cab, bus or train is an alternative to driving as well. Controlling and monitoring your alcohol intake is most important. Try not to drink more than one drink (12 oz. beer, 5 oz. glass of wine or 1.5 oz. of liquor in a mixed drink) per hour. Eat before or during your alcohol consumption to allow it to be absorbed. Estimate the time you plan on driving home and stop drinking at least two hours before. Drinking water will help to flush the alcohol out of your system.

Resources

• Breathalyzer Test Information
• DUI Foundation