Is Driving While “Buzzed” Still Too Dangerous?
In the United States., the legal blood alcohol limit (BAC), is .08%. This standard implies that any BAC below this level is not only legal, but safe as well. However, a new study published in Addiction contends that when it comes to BAC levels, there is no safe level.
Is buzzed driving safe? This question was highlighted when the news reported that MTV star Ryan Dunn, 34, has been in a fatal accident after drinking in a bar. Both Dunn and his passenger were killed. The bartender working at the bar at the time said that Dunn did not appear intoxicated when he left. Unfortunately, toxicology reports that followed showed that Dunn had a BAC of .19% that evening.
Two demographers from the University of California and the University of San Diego suggests that driving with even very low BAC levels can cause accidents. This study contends that drivers who have had one drink are more likely to get into a car crash, and the crash will be more serious. Researchers studied the Fatality Analysis Responding System (FARS), which accounts for every fatal accident in the U.S. between 1994-2008.
The study determined that that “buzzed driving” resulted in a measurable increase in car accidents and their severity, which was termed a severity ratio. A BAC of .01% resulted in 4.33 severe injuries for every minor injury. With sober drivers, the ratio was 3.17 severe injuries for every minor injury.
Many nations around the world have established standard BAC levels. In Germany, the legal BAC level is .05%, in Japan, it is .03%, and in Sweden, it is a low .02%. Researchers hope that this information will influence legislators to reduce the BAC limit even more.
If you drink alcohol and drive, you increase your chances of not only getting a DUI, but also getting into a car accident. Many people may not be aware, but if you are pulled over in Florida and are requested to give a breath, blood or urine test, you must comply due to Florida’s “Implied Consent Law.” This law goes into effect when you sign your driver’s license. If you refuse to take the test, your license can be suspended for up to one year. If you refuse to take the test a second time, you license can be suspended for up to 18 months.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Florida, it is important to speak with a Miami DUI lawyer from our office right away. There are important filings that may need to be attended to right away. For instance, if the police took your license at the time of our arrest, you have only 10 days to request a hearing with the DMV. Getting a DUI in Florida is serious. Penalties can include jail time, fines, probation and much more. Contact our office for a free consultation at 305-571-9800.
