Drunk driving continues to be a national epidemic. While drunk driving fatalities have fallen by a third in the last three years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) isn’t taking any chances. The NHTSA campaign, Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over runs August 18-September 3, 2017. Law enforcement agencies throughout the nation will step up efforts in combatting drunk driving during this time. Here’s what you need to know before your next night out with friends:
Statistics
Drunk driving killed over 10,000 people in 2015.
28 people in the U.S. die every day in a drunk driving accident.
The chance of being in an alcohol-related crash during one’s lifetime is 1 in 3.
Deaths and damages from these types of accidents contribute to a cost of $52 billion per year.
Levels and Impact
According to California DUI laws, it is illegal to drive with the following alcohol levels:
0.08% or higher – 21 years old or older operating a regular passenger vehicle
0.04% or higher – operating a commercial vehicle
0.01% or higher – younger than 21 years old
An alcohol percentage of 0.02% begins a decline in visual function and coordination. A legal limit of 0.08% affects concentration, speed control, and impairs perception.
Consequences
Drunk driving charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. Penalities include license revocation, fines, and possible jail time. Being charged with drunk driving may affect your employment, depending on your career.
Defense Attorney
The seriousness of a DUI or DWI charge demands a highly skilled defense attorney. We are knowledgeable with the two-steps of California law: the DMV hearing and the court hearing. The DMV hearing focuses on license revocation while the court hearing focuses on the penalty phase. The consequences of a DUI or DWI conviction can last a lifetime. Stay diligent and have a designated driver. Should you find yourself charged, contact us. We’ll aggressively fight for your privilege to drive and for no incarceration time.