Defensive driving teaches DUI consequences

Drinking under the influence an issue that affects a number of students. According to Alcoholalert.com, Georgia ranks sixth in the nation for number of alcohol related deaths. Defensive driving courses offer a plethora of information regarding DUI punishment.

By definition driving under the influence means anyone operating a vehicle after recently consuming alcohol or drugs.

In terms of alcohol, there are two statutory offenses. The first is if the driver appears to be under the influence, for example, driving erratically or failing field sobriety tests. The second is if the driver has a blood alcohol concentration level higher than 0.08%. However, commercial drivers require a BAC level of 0.04% and 0.02% for persons under 21.

Implied Consent Law states that a licensed person operating a vehicle gives automatic consent to be tested for alcohol when pulled over by an officer. If a person refuses to be tested, they are liable to be arrested.

According to Fieldsobrietytests.org, there are only three standardized tests as approved by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. These tests are the one-leg stand, walk and turn and horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Officers may also use non-standardized tests like counting backwards, Rhomberg stationary balance test and the hand-pat test among others.

Factors that affect BAC include age, gender, altitude, body weight, food consumption, illness, and medicine consumption.

To measure the BAC level, a breathalyzer is usually used. Though the device estimates the BAC level, they are fairly accurate and permissible in court.

“There is no fail-proof way to outsmart the breathalyzer. The common myths to confuse a breathalyzer are sucking on pennies and consuming mints or mouthwash. Actually, mouthwash would give someone a higher BAC level because of its alcohol content,” said Gary, a DUI offender.

These offenses are usually considered a misdemeanor punishable for up to 1 year in jail. However, multiple offenders and offenders who cause injury, death or property damage are felonies punishable for a longer jail sentence in state prison.

Possible consequences for a DUI conviction include: $300 to $5000 fine, 24 hours to 12 months jail time, 40 hours of community service, and probation, Risk Reduction Program, and license suspension for one to five years.

“I lost my freedom. You never know how valuable just being able to drive to the store when you want to is until you don’t have that freedom to do so,” said Gary. “I didn’t realize the severity of consequences both personal and those that affect others.”

The first DUI offense is three days in the Risk Reduction Program and the second offense is 17 weeks in the program. The Risk Reduction Program can include clinical evaluations and defensive driving classes. It is a very time consuming commitment with some classes lasting as long as six hours for one session.

A probation officer requires a monthly fee in addition to a fine, payment of classes and license reinstatement. Everything in total could add up to be around $14,000 depending on the severity of the offense.

It may also be required to install an ignition interlock device once the suspension is completed. IID prevents drivers with a high BAC from starting a vehicle. You must blow into the breathalyzer device before you start the car and every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the duration of your drive. Five minutes is allowed after the IID signals to blow into the device, so it is suggested to pull over immediately to complete the test. If the breathalyzer detects alcohol it will lock the ignition. The IID costs $150 to install in the car and $75 monthly, which does not include the maintenance fee each time a technician has to come to re-calibrate the device if it locks.

“The IID records everything. If it loses power from the battery dying or un-hooking the wires it records it. Every use is recorded and re-calibrated monthly,” said Gary.

Leigh Codner, licensed professional counselor for the West Georgia DUI Risk Reduction in Carrollton said, “A lot of people think that with a little extra effort and concentration they’ll be fine, but that’s not the case. Consuming alcohol impairs your reaction time, judgment and a lot of people just do not know their limit.”

Driving under the influence involves more people than just the driver. Any person sharing the road with the driver is also in danger.

“In February 2008, I was hit by a drunk driver, driving on the wrong side of the street, by the CVS Pharmacy on Maple Street. I was just happy to be alive and be with my mother later that evening. Her irresponsibility and selfishness almost cost me my life. If I had anything to tell her now, I would simply say to think about your actions because you don’t know how they will affect others. People should always have a designated driver if they are going to drink, even just one drink,” said UWG senior Annalysce Baker.

“I have a wife and a daughter. How am I supposed to provide for my family if I can’t do something as simple as driving to and from work? I want people to know that driving drunk is not worth it. People always told me about the consequences of driving drunk, but I didn’t listen. Please don’t have to learn from your mistakes, some could be deadlier than others,” said Gary.


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