Dui Arrest Statistics

Any person who decides to drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel is just asking to be pulled over and arrested for driving while intoxicated. To be considered as legally drunk, you must register a .08 or more on the breathalyzer. And, accident or not, the police can pull you over on a suspicion of DUI if you exhibit any signs of being under the influence while driving.

DUI Arrest Statistics: What Acts Can You Be Pulled Over For

What signs can you legally be pulled over for on suspicion of DUI? They are:

- Weaving over dividing line
- Driving onto shoulder
- Rapidly accelerating and decelerating
- Not stopping at stop signs
- Driving without your lights at night

DUI Arrest Statistics: What Happens When Your Stopped For DUI Suspicion

If you’re stopped for suspicion of DUI, you’ll be asked to do a series of tests like the breathalyzer. These tests are designed to determine your level of sobriety or drunkenness. If you’re drunk, you’ll be placed under arrested for DWI.  Refusal to do any of these tests, which you can legally do, is likely to result in a default DUI arrest. This will cause your license to be immediately revoked or suspended. Arrest severity will depend on the level of offense.

An officer will begin by asking the suspect how many drinks they had. Regardless of your answer, if the officer smells alcohol on your breath, you will be placed under arrest of DUI. You then be placed in handcuffs, drive to the station and charged with the crime.

DUI Arrest Statistics: What Happens After The First DUI Arrest

Most courts treat a first DUI offense pretty leniently than additional DUI arrests but the penalties you are subjected to will still have a negative effect on your life.

1 – Your license will be immediately suspended for a period of three months up to one year.
2 – Without a license, it can be harder to get to work, which means you could lose your job.
3 – Your car insurance carrier may either cancel your policy or increase your premiums.
4 – The state is likely to impound your vehicle.

Typically, first offense DUI offenders get probation, not jail time. You’ll need to do community service and must complete an alcohol treatment program. You’ll also be given a fine to pay to the court. However, some courts will decrease this fine if you agree to participate in the above program.

DUI Arrest Statistics: What Happens After The Second, Third and More Arrests

If you’re arrested again for DUI, the penalties you’re assessed with will be stiffer.

1 – Your vehicle could be sold by the state, which is their way to decrease your chances of drinking and driving.
2 – You’re likely to spend time behind bars.
3 – You’ll be stuck with heavier fines
4 – Your license will be revoked, possibly for a longer period of time… if not permanently.
5 – You’ll have more court costs and attorney’s fees to pay for.

Now, if you end up in an accident while under the influence and someone is hurt or killed, you could face serious legal (felony) charges such as vehicular manslaughter or even homicide.

What Should You Do If You’re Drinking

The best thing you can do if you plan on drinking is to find another way home. Perhaps get a designated driver or call you a cab. These expenses are much less than what you get with a DUI arrest.

2008 - National DUI / Drunk Driving Statistics

Before you go drinking and driving, here are some DUI arrest statistics to ponder on. Don’t become a part of these DUI arrest statistics.

10,684 deadly accidents occurred nationally where one driver had a .08 percent or above BAC level.
11,773 people lost their lives in accidents where a driver had a .08 percent or higher BAC level.
2,072 people were killed in accidents where a driver had a .01 to .07 percent BAC level.
A total of 13,846 deaths occurred where a driver had a .01 percent or higher BAC level.

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