According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) June 2007 survey, there were 13,470 drunk driving-related fatalities in 2006, an increase of 9% from the preceding year. To represent the scope of the suffering, loss of humanity, and irreparable damage to families by simple numerical statistics, minimizes the consequences of this pervasive behavioral problem. Punishment for these crimes does not always work as a deterrent however, so diverse groups are trying many different approaches, from the traditional law enforcement approach to using behavioral modification techniques.
Confronting the Problem – An Assortment of Partial Solutions
Government agencies including the NHTSA, corporations such as Anheuser-Busch, and victims like Cari Lightner whose mother, Candy, started Mothers Against Drunk Drivers ( MADD), are making the public more aware of the insidiousness of the problem. Getting people to realize that even small amounts of intoxicants are dangerous while driving, the media airs public service announcements warning of the risks of driving while “Buzzed.” The “Designated Driver” campaign has been a stroke of genius by offering an alternative to driving while drunk. Many states have put into action programs to make it easier for motorists to report impaired drivers to law enforcement officers before they cause an accident. To eliminate backsliding in DUI convicted drivers, an Alcohol Ignition Interlock device blocks a driver from starting his vehicle if he has been drinking. While education of young drivers with lifelong reinforcement of safe driving concepts should be the keystone of drunk driving prevention, all of the above programs have realized a 44% drop in drunk driving fatalities since 1980.
Consequences of Your DUI Conviction
When you are arrested for DUI, a cascade of consequences begin that can severely handicap your ability to keep your job, pay your bills, and support your family. Some states are more harsh doling out punishment than others. It is not uncommon to expect jail time, loss of license, fines, and community service of varying degrees. Research done by Automobile Club of Southern California in 2004 estimated that the total expense incurred by getting a first-time DUI ticket was approximately $12,000. This sum includes DMV license reissue fees, penalties, restitution, and auto insurance increases.
DUI Auto Insurance
Getting back on the road legally can sometimes be the greatest challenge for a DUI-convicted driver. Your existing insurer may not get wind of the blemish on your record as long as you pay your premium on time and don’t switch insurers. Insurance companies who do periodic checks of driving records may refuse to renew your policy if they discover a DUI infraction. This being the case, you will be forced to obtain auto insurance from an insurance agent who deals with high-risk clients. Expect to pay three to four times the premium of a normal policy.
Proof of Financial Responsibility
With a DUI, some states require that the driver obtain formal proof of auto liability insurance before being allowed to drive. In California, the Form SR22 serves as notification to authorities from your insurer of proof of financial responsibility in that you have an active liability insurance policy in effect. With proof of financial responsibility, removed is one of many hurdles a driver must clear to move beyond his DUI conviction. Recidivism rates among DUI-convicted drivers are statistically lower in those instances where the courts integrate comprehensive programs of alcohol abuse treatment, acceptance of responsibility, and close supervision. While no single approach seems to be the “magic bullet”, the combined efforts of government, the insurance industry, and private groups is making a difference, enabling everyone to contribute to the solution for driving under the influence.
