Did you know that nearly 38 people in the US die due to drunk-driving accidents – which means one person every 60 minutes? It was in the year 2019 that the total number of DUI accident deaths decreased to its lowest level when NHTSA began reporting alcohol data. Deaths caused due to drunk driving are usually preventable. But the driver commits a felony by driving under the influence of alcohol despite knowing that it is a crime.
Law firms like Ladah Law Firm reported numerous drunk driving cases in 2021 and they warned drivers to stay away from drinking before sitting behind the wheel. Read on to know more about how dangerous drunk driving is and how such drivers are detected.
How do the cops detect drunk drivers?
In order to control and put an end to drunk driving, the cops are always on their toes. Police officers utilize several investigative techniques to spot drunk drivers. Here are a few such techniques:
- They recognize the tendencies of drivers: The police officers identify behavior tailgating, swerving, panic braking, or even rapid acceleration. Nevertheless, it is vital to remember that all the aforementioned actions might have reasons apart from being drunk.
- Breath tests: Police officers might even conduct basic breath tests by stopping your car by the side of the road. In case of a lawful arrest, he can also conduct evidentiary breath tests too.
- Careful observation: Cops who already suspect a driver to be driving under influence will observe the driver watchfully for signs of red eyes, inebriation, slurred speech, and smell of alcohol from the person’s breath.
- Field sobriety tests: Such tests are usually done to spot impairment by coercing the individual to go through certain physical challenges.
Regardless of how convinced the police officers are about the evidence they get, an expert DUI personal injury lawyer can start utilizing his own team of investigators to expose any loophole in the case.
Is the drunk driver instantly arrested at the accident scene?
You’re not obliged to perform these road sobriety tests as they mostly don’t work. In some controlled situations, whenever the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration checked the accuracy of these tests, it was found that more than three-quarters of people whose alcohol breath level was less than 0.08 were detected as above 0.08. This is why it is seen to be worthless for conducting these ridiculous tests.
Consequences of driving under the influence
When you drive a vehicle while being impaired, this is a crime. Once you’re caught, charges might vary from felony offenses to misdemeanors, jail time, penalties for drunk driving, and revocation of driver’s license. It is also a costly affair altogether. An offense will cost the driver a fine of $10,000 in fines apart from the legal fees.
Therefore, if you’re caught drunk driving, this could cost you a big hole in your wallet. Stop sitting behind the wheel under the influence of alcohol or any other substance. Save your life.
