Regulators Advocate For Lower Drunk Driving Limits In Arizona
Arizona residents might be interested to hear that national lawmakers are advocating for states to lower their drunk driving limits. The National Transportation Safety Board is proposing that states should lower their legal limit for drivers’ blood alcohol content levels from 0.08 to 0.05. They say that stricter BAC levels would help lower the number of traffic deaths caused by drunk driving.
Proponents of the new regulations say that drivers who have reached the current BAC limit of 0.08 are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Opponents of the lower limit, such as the American Beverage Institute, state that the lower limit doesn’t target the hardcore drunk drivers, but rather responsible adults. Proponents are also advocating for states to expand their uses of requiring DUI offenders to have ignition interlock devices, which force drivers to have their BAC levels analyzed before their cars will start. If the proposal passes, it could make challenging a DUI charge more difficult.
People convicted of driving while under the influence in Arizona may face severe consequences, such as fines, penalties, probation or imprisonment. The severity of the consequences they may face can be influenced by several factors, such as whether anyone was injured in the incident, if there was property damage in the incident and the driver’s previous driving record. For example, a driver who has already been convicted of a DUI may face stiffer penalties with second or third-time DUI convictions.
An attorney may be able to assist those charged with DUIs. Criminal defense attorneys may also be able to negotiate with prosecutors for lesser sentences, such as enrollment in a substance abuse treatment program instead of imprisonment.