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Repeat Drunk Driving Laws are Serious Business

A man in Delaware was arrested 12 times for driving under the influence (DUI). In Nevada, a woman was arrested twice in 10 hours for DUI. Although most people who are convicted of a DUI are not repeat offenders, stories like these are commonly in the media here in Leesburg and all over VA. They may sound like exaggerated examples of drinking and driving cases but repeat drunk driving is a serious problem in the United States.

At Browns Leesburg Hyundai, we deplore drunk driving and that's why we're happy to share this blog with you.

AutoRepair-Review repeat drunk driving laws are serious businessDespite stricter laws enacted over the years that make prison time mandatory for repeat offenders, lawmakers have found that people continue to drive under the influence.

Every day in the United States, 28 people die in an alcohol-related vehicle crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Although drunk driving deaths have decreased about a third over the last 30 years, it is still a deadly epidemic. In all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, it is illegal to drive with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. 

AAA DUI Justice Link estimates that approximately one-fourth of those arrested or convicted of drunk driving are repeat offenders. They have been studied over and over and reports have shown that psychiatric issues such as PTSD, ADHD, depression and bipolar disorder often play a significant role. Many repeat offenders are also found to abuse alcohol.

In all states, a first offense is considered a misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to six months in jail. All DUI laws aren’t created equal. Every state can decide on how severe the crime is and the appropriate punishment. The penalties for driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated (DWI) and operating while intoxicated (OWI) vary in each state and jurisdiction. The same is true for repeat offenders but the penalties are usually more severe.

Most states consider DUIs a serious criminal offense. However, some states consider it a civil infraction for first-time offenders.

Penalties can mean jail time, steep fines, community service, required attendance in an alcohol treatment program, and loss of your driver’s license. Some states, such as California, may even require an ignition interlock device when the BAC level is over .15%. This requires drivers to blow into a mouthpiece before starting their vehicles.

Not only do repeat offenders pose a greater threat to others on the road, but it is more likely there will be a fatal accident, according to drunkdrivingstats.org. States are continuing to crack down on offenders, especially those who have prior convictions. The best piece of advice: Don’t drink and drive and help your friends and family do the same.

Sources: DMV, Zoom Legal and Yahoo

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