Every year, approximately 10,000 Americans die in DUI traffic accidents. Alcohol and drugs are extremely dangerous substances. When individuals decide to drive while inhibited by these substances, it can lead to tragic injuries or fatalities. That is why the National Transportation Safety Board recently suggested that the federal government lower the DUI BAC limit from 0.08% to 0.05%.
The NTSB says that 10,000 Americans will not live this year because of an alcohol-related accident, and 27,000 individuals will have their lives forever altered when they are severely and permanently injured in a DUI crash. Despite the fact that police are searching for DUI offenders and punishments are harsh, there are approximately 300,000 alcohol-impaired drivers out on American roadways every single day.
Reports show that about one out of every three traffic fatalities involves a DUI driver, and the NTSB believes that this could be changed if there were stricter limits on DUI driving. That is why the board has decided to recommend lowering the federal BAC limit to the federal government. The NTSB has no authority over traffic laws, and can only make strong suggestions to the lawmakers in Washington D.C. Last week, the NTSB announced their new plan, and the government officials are currently looking at the options to reduce the BAC limit.
The NTSB also suggested a few other preventative measures. One of these is to require ignition interlock device for all DWI offenders regardless of whether it is a first, second, third, or subsequent offense. Currently, there are no federal laws regarding DUI ignition interlock devices. All states have their own laws regarding ignition interlock devices. Statistics show that a vast amount of DUI offenders are actually subsequent offenders who have been arrested for a DUI crime before.
By requiring ignition interlock devices. America would be able to successfully eliminate second-time offenders because drivers would not be able to start their car if they had an illegal BAC level. If all ignition interlock devices were set to keep the car from stopping at 0.05%, it would further eliminate the possibility of a DUI collision out on the road.
The American Beverage Association is against the proposed legislation, saying that strict rules like these will eliminate social drinking in America. The association argues that drivers will be paranoid to enjoy even one glass of wine, because lightweight drinkers may register a 0.05% BAC after only one glass. Currently, an average male needs to drink three to four drinks to register a 0.08% BAC, which allows individuals to still enjoy a drink with dinner or at a friends' house before driving home. The new BAC would force designated drivers to abstain from alcohol altogether unless they are willing to call a cab.
The NTSB also wants the government to use more high-visibility enforcement. They suggest heightening the use of sobriety checkpoints in the United States and keeping a closer eye out for cars that are speeding or weaving through traffic. The NTSB also wants the government to target the use of DWI courts to hold offenders accountable and reduce the amount of repeat offenses.
DUI drivers who are involved in an accident are typically prosecuted for their crimes. As the victim of a DUI accident, you also have the right to seek compensation for the injuries and vehicle damage that you experienced because of someone else's decision to drink and drive. You can talk to a car accident attorney today to start civil lawsuit and seek reimbursement from the negligent driver. In the criminal case, a judge may also mandate that the driver pay you restitution.