The Consequences Of Drunk Driving

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Recent studies show that every thirty minutes, an average of one alcohol-related fatality occurs. Along with one person injured approximately every two minutes.” (Repeat Drunk Drivers Should Be Severely Punished, 109) “In 2009, drunk drivers in the United States caused 10,839 deaths. This number represents almost one-third of all traffic related deaths that year.” (Drunk Driving, 1). According to a recorded study, in 2009 the use of drugs or alcohol while driving resulted in 1.4 million drivers arrested. “Drunk driving also accounts for a high percentage of motorcycle fatalities. Almost one- third of the motorcyclists who die in alcohol related accidents have alcohol levels at, or above legal limits.” (Drunk Driving, 1). If you’re caught …show more content…
There was an idea to raise the tax on alcohol and monitor repeat offenders because hardecore offenders still remain a serious problem. “Opponents of the higher tax policy point out that it would unfairly punish those who drink responsibly. Though stricter laws and public awareness campaigns have been effective, hardcore repeat offenders remain a serious problem.” (Drunk Driving 1) Therefore, some people strongly believe that support groups or classes that deal with alcohol abuse could help. Consequently, If the person went to one of those, it could act as a treatment and help keep them from getting into more trouble in the future. “Establishing special sobriety courts to deal with such offenders has been shown to reduce their rates of recidivism by as much as two-thirds.” (Drunk Driving …show more content…
“Some have argued that a per se alcohol limit is arbitrary and does not take into account an individual’s ability to function with a BAC of 0.08 or more in his or her system.” (Drunk Driving 1) Since some heavy drinkers consume more alcohol than the legal limit, they argue that being punished should be based on their ability to drive and not the blood alcohol content in their system. However, studies have shown a suspended license is a fast way to reduce fatalities. “Pre Conviction license suspension laws are clearly successful in reducing the rates of alcohol related crashes.” (Scientificamerican.com ). Nevertheless, roads would be safer if licenses were taken away on the spot, rather than later on. “A surefire way to prevent at least some accidents? Immediately take away the license of anyone who fails a breath test, a move that already saves at least 800 lives a year, says a new study.” (Roads Safer When Drunk Drivers Immediately Lose License to Kill 1). Overall, you should get your license suspended for a year if you are caught driving while intoxicated, because it is a threat to others, as well as yourself. The laws against DUI is not aren’t satisfactory, and it would be more helpful to have a better law against DUI. If the opposition were to win, the roads would no longer be safe and there would be many more people who could be put in harm's way.

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