Technological Advances in DUI Detection and Defense

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) is one of the major reasons why the world is facing so many road accidents on an everyday basis. 

Statistics show that 32 people die in the United States every day in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver. The issue might not feel that serious, but on comparing, DUI caused 10,142 deaths in 2021, whereas 2,754 aggravated assaults resulted in homicide in 2021.

The problem is spread across the world, which is why it is now a matter of greater significance to contact DUI defense attorneys in Concord, MA if you are one of the victims. 

However, the picture is not all black. Thanks to modern tech, authorities or personnel can now easily detect an intoxicated person. Let us tell you how!

How Alcohol is Tested on the Roads?

A fault of one can stake the lives of many. 

And this is why, it is pertinent that the devices used in detecting intoxicated drivers must be accurate and sensitive enough. Although, there is a multitude of tests that examine the driver. The following are some of them:

These tests are more of a conventional or traditional way to test if the driver is drunk or not. Done in routine distances, authorities are very serious about ensuring road safety for everyone.

These tests are especially done during the times when drivers are more prone to drive while intoxicated. For example, during a festival or at night after a party.

As mentioned, this method includes traditional ways to test. For instance, balance check when standing on one leg, finger dexterity and common sense quizzes.

One of the most significant or most popular changes that have made a difference is the introduction of Breathalyzers. These devices are advanced and tough to be fooled. 

Modern Breathalyzers are even able to detect the Blood Alcohol Content of the driver. This way, authorities can even judge the amount of intoxication. 

Interestingly, you must have seen this device in movies and shows where the suspect is expected to blow hard on the mouthpiece of the device. 

This is the most precise practice to identify the culprit. Through this method, doctors or personnel can detect even the small amount of intoxication consumed by the driver. 

However, mostly these tests are done by Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) to identify drug impairment in drivers (even if in minor contents).

Blood testing is probably the most reliable, trustable, and precise way presently possible to identify DUI cases.

What Amount of Intoxication Is Allowed While Driving on the Roads?

Alcohol or any drug consumption has a heavy impact on your nervous system. It affects your reflexes and slows down the brain’s processing capabilities. 

However, still, there are some rules that allow drivers to have a MICRO level of alcohol consumption on roads. 

In many states in the US, people age 21 or older are allowed to drive if their BAC level is 0.08%. BACs with higher than that can bind them into legal obligations.

Whereas, some states have lower BAC limits for drivers under 21, ranging from 0.00% to 0.02%. 

What are the Fines and Penalties for DUI or DWI Cases?

Each DUI or DWI case is unique in its own way. The punishment or fine is decided on the degree of crime that one has committed. 

For instance, whether the driver had caused any accident while he or she was drunk. The amount of intoxication, loss to any public property, and so on.

• Usually, a classified DUI or DWI case can lead to around 6-months or 1-year of jail sentence. However, if its the first case by the offender, some states like New Jersey can ease up on their sentence with around 30 days of jail.
  
• For a second-time offender, the jail sentence can be a bit longer than the first one. For instance, the minimum jail time is five days for a first offense, 10 days for a second offense, and 60 days for a third offense in Colorado.
  
• Fines are the most common punishment if anybody gets caught driving while he or she is drunk. In the majority of states, the fine levied on offenders ranges from $500 to $2,000. And of course, these amounts depend on the degree of violation and the state in which you are currently driving.

Final Take

DUI or DWI is a serious offense that might lead to serious accidents. The crime is such common yet harmful in nature that road accidents kill more people in the USA than assaults leading to homicides. 

However, with advanced tech, authorities can effectively and precisely measure the amount of alcohol that is consumed by the driver and can punish them accordingly.

---