Tougher Laws Aim to Stop Drinking and Driving

It has only been in relatively recent years that the problem of drunk driving has garnered national attention and laws have been more strictly enforced in response. About forty percent of traffic deaths each year in the U.S. can be attributed to alcohol. Groups like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) and SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) formed in the early 1980's to lobby for tougher laws and more enforcement of all laws related to drinking and driving.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2003, 17,013 people died and over 500,000 were injured in alcohol-related automobile crashes. The criteria used by the NHTSA for these statistics is much more stringent than what is written in law; the NHTSA relates a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.01 or greater to a crash being alcohol related.

In the 1980's, MADD and SADD successfully lobbied to increase the drinking age in states where it was still as young as 18. Drivers under age 21 are subject to even more stringent standards for alcohol consumption than those drivers who are 21 and up, as a level of just 0.01 to 0.02, depending on the state, is considered intoxicated. MADD also has been responsible for decreasing the legal limit of drivers 21 and up from 0.10 to 0.08, and the group is still fighting to decrease it further.

Though the penalties differ in every state, the past twenty years have seen a dramatic increase in the severity of punishment, especially for repeat offenders. In Florida, first time offenders may receive up to six months in jail, fines of $250 to $1000, probation for up to six months, and 50 hours of community service. If death, injury, or property damage occur, fines, jail time, and probation are dramatically increased. Subsequent convictions are much more severe than the first. In each case, license suspension is automatic, however permits can be acquired to drive to and from work only.

In recent years, public personalities have found it harder and harder to use their fame and money to escape the embarrassment of a drunk driving arrest, and hard-core judges are using their convictions to send a message to the public. And, most of us know, the best way to avoid a drunk driving arrest and conviction is to not drink and drive! Designate a sober driver, call a cab, have someone pick you up. There are better options.. the life you save may be your own or that of your best friend.