DUI statistics show that the number of deaths, injuries, and accidents caused because of alcohol continue to affect a high number of people. In 2002, an average of one person every 30 minutes died because of an alcohol-related crash, becoming just another DUI statistic. An estimated 17,419 died because of alcohol-related crashes, defined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as involving a driver or nonoccupant as having a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.01 grams per deciliter or greater.
The legal BAC varies from state to state but the majority of limits are 0.10 g/dl. States have responded to DUI statistics, though by changing the legal limit from 0.10 to 0.08 in recent years. As the most frequently committed violent crime, attempts to reverse DUI statistics have been a tough challenge for law enforcement. Many people underestimate the effects that drinking alcohol can have. The DUI statistics show that the average person will metabolize one drink per hour, meaning only time will allow a person to sober up.
There are rituals that people believe will allow them to sober up faster, such as taking cold showers, drinking coffee or water, or eating, but this is a common misconception and can end up deadly. Becoming better educated about the effects of alcohol and the severe impairments it can cause is important in helping to put an end to the high DUI statistics. Impairments can occur from any type of alcoholic drink.
The majority of states have passed “legal per se” laws, which means that drunk drivers are automatically found guilty of having a BAC level of 0.10 or higher. While the law is a much-needed attempt to appropriately address DUI statistics, many have argued the new DUI laws are unconstitutional. By eliminating the right to have a trial by jury, opponents of the law have argued other measures should be explored to address the DUI statistics while still preserving a person’s rights.
DUI statistics continue to show how the many lives abruptly taken from families and friends and the “legal per se” law can allow for justice to be served for the significant losses experienced by loved ones. On the other hand, DUI statistics make it imperative to create tough laws to discourage and punish those offenders that have taken lives or put lives at risk by their reckless behaviors, but it is still argued that everyone deserves to be guaranteed the right to a public trial by an impartial jury.