Michigan's "Super Drunk" Law is Not the Answer
But will this really change the face of drunk driving in Michigan? Opponents of this law seem to feel that this is posturing on the part of the legislators to "appear" tougher on drunk driving. While supporters feel it can be quite effective.
I personally am in doubt that a law that redefines drunk is of benefit. The definition of "super drunk" is a blood alcohol level of .17 or above. Exactly how many beers must one person have in an hour to blow a .17 on a breathalyzer? According to experts that would be about eight beers in an hour for a person weighing about 160 lbs.
I am 110 lbs and female. So, it would be a couple of less beers for me. But, I have to ask myself this question: If someone is downing eight beers in an hour, what are we really dealing with? I can't drink eight glasses of water, soda or juice in that time without expecting a severe stomach ache. Adding alcohol to that, I would be out cold on the floor or more likely in the hospital with alcohol poisoning.
If lawmakers think a stiffer penalty on someone who has a very clear drinking problem is going to deter them from drinking or getting behind the wheel afterwards, they are sadly mistaken in my opinion.
By the point that someone can down eight beers in one hour and still stand, we are looking at a serious alcoholism problem and sadly, until they realize they have a problem and seriously seek treatment, no law in the land is going to deter them from putting the lives of others at risk by getting behind the wheel.
If the fines and penalties are going to be increased for "super drunk" drivers then there should also be a mandatory stint in treatment. Granted, treatment doesn't save every person and not everyone stays sober but even getting one of these people off the road is going to save lives.
I am not one to carry on about mental illness and being understanding of those who have addictions that endanger others. I am a believer in trying to find a way that is truly effective in reducing the chances that they will get behind a wheel and kill an innocent person. Isn't it time we start treating the problem instead of just the symptoms?
Fines, jail time, community service and driving classes will not stop the problem of the "super drunk". If we are going to spend the money to incarcerate them knowing the chances of them becoming a repeat offender is high then why not get them into AA meetings, rehab and so forth? Why not take real steps to curing the problem?
"Super drunk" is a cute term on a new law but it's useless until we start to address the problem with repeat offenders and people who have enough alcohol in their body to put a small horse into a coma.
The "super drunk" law will not make any difference until we begin to deal with the cause of the "super drunk" driver.
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Published by Bel Marshall
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4 Comments
Post a CommentKevin,
I expect you feel I am misguided in my thoughts because I am suggesting treatment for the superdrunk.
Believe me, I do believe we need laws as tough as they can be on this subject but my reasoning for looking at other options as well, is it seems the laws are not stopping people from getting behind the wheel while drunk.
I still don't think the normal body can consume that much alcohol in a short time without having a great deal of practice.
My greater point here is the laws are not working so let's look at what might work...even just a little bit better than what we are doing now.
Krystal, I am not blasting anyone who has a felony. I know many people have them for various reasons and have gone on to be very productive members of society.
Given, I have lived with a hunter for over 11 years, I disagree with your concept that this person with 3 drunk driving arrests on his record should be allowed to bear arms. If he isn't responsible enough to not get behind the wheel while drunk, what is to stop him from going out in the woods with a gun and hurting himself or an innocent bystander. If he isn't an alcoholic then he has little regard for the well being of other by getting behind the wheel while drunk.
Being a felon does not make someone less human but taking the very real risk of killing another human being while driving drunk can't be overlooked either.
Wow, Krystal, I believe you need to investigate drunk driving. While I think the author of this article seems a little misguided, your response is appalling. Your "felon who has 3 drunk drivings" is absolutely responsible for his/her actions. I can't believe you would think he is "innocent" while committing the crime of drunk driving? Yes, if a person gets a DUI or the like their lives are altered with jail time, fines, attorney fees, etc, but what about the people that drunk drivers kill while operating a car while drinking? Their lives are ENDED! You just can't go out drinking and then drive a car. Your judgment is too impaired to make the decisions necessary.
I do agree with you though on the penalties that go along with some felonies, ie the no owning guns thing.
If I were you, I would seriously consider talking to your friend about his/her habits after drinking. They have been caught 3 times but how many other times haven't they be
I personally know a felon who has 3 drunk drivings. He isn't an alcoholic and he doesn't have a drinking problem. In today's society cops are concerned about keeping their jobs and hunt for drunk drivers. Even if the person didn't do anything illegal to be pulled over in the first place. And i think that it is wrong that we as a society punish innocent people like this. These officers are ruining peoples lives. They have taken away so many freedoms from the person i know. Just because he has to many drunk driving's he can no longer hunt, because he can't legally own or have a gun in his possesion. He also can't vote. The last time i checked these are rights that EVERYONE is entitled to. Now if you commited murder with a weapon then i can see taking away your right to bear arms. And the right to vote, well we all know that if you are an american citizen you should have the right to vote. Being a felon doesn't make you any less human so why are they treate