While there are several minor traffic offenses, driving under the influence (DUI) certainly does not fit into this category. Tackling drunk driving is a top priority for law enforcement across Virginia.
If the police suspect that a driver is drunk, they have the power to pull the vehicle over and make arrests. Potential penalties for DUI convictions are also serious, with jail time being a real possibility.
Why does law enforcement take drunk driving so seriously?
What the numbers say
There is no denying that impaired driving is highly dangerous because the numbers don’t lie. Drunk driving kills at least one person every single hour. Drivers with a high blood alcohol content (BAC) are much more likely to be involved in fatal accidents, and it is often innocent parties who are the victims.
The end result is tens of thousands of people dying in preventable accidents every year. This is why drunk driving is such a priority for law enforcement and the government.
The behavioral impacts of alcohol
Why is alcohol so dangerous in terms of driving? Alcohol significantly impacts a person’s behavior and judgment. A driver may be filled with false confidence, leading them to make poor decisions. Drunk drivers tend to be more impulsive. On top of that, alcohol significantly slows reaction times and motor functions.
The shocking statistics and known behavioral changes associated with drunk driving are why the courts are clamping down on this offense. If you have been charged, that doesn’t automatically mean you are guilty. In such a scenario, it’s essential to seek legal guidance to avoid the stiff penalties related to a DUI conviction.
