The start of the last decade saw nearly 12,000 people losing their lives in motor vehicle accidents due to drunk drivers in 2020. That year accounted for 30 percent of all traffic-related deaths, representing a 14.3 percent increase compared to the previous year.
On a daily basis, 32 people die every day in these types of collisions.
The possibility of false accusations
While drunk driving remains a significant and potentially deadly problem, countless drivers pulled over by the police are often falsely accused of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The blinding flashing lights reflecting in the mirror are unsettling enough, not to mention the law enforcement officer’s walk to your car.
Police play an essential role in ensuring safety. However, they are still not above making mistakes that include:
- Lack of reasonable suspicion
- Lack of probable cause
- Mistakes committed at DUI checkpoints
- Field sobriety testing misconduct, including standing on one leg, walking and turning, finger to nose, Nystagmus, and the Rhomberg balance test.
- Poor administration of breath, blood, and urine tests
- Failing to prove intoxication while driving
- Test inaccuracies caused by Ketosis or Keto Diet
Severe consequences post-arrest
The smallest oversight can result in catastrophic consequences. Instead of going home, suspects are placed in the back of a police car and likely end up in a jail cell. Convictions can become life-changing, including suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. Those who drive for a living or make extra money driving for Uber can find themselves without a reliable income.
Additionally, a conviction can lead to drivers being forced to pay for installing interlock ignition where, before they can operate the vehicle, they must blow into a device it for their cars to start.
Drunk driving is anything but a minor crime with countless consequences. The arrest alone requires help from a knowledgeable and skilled DUI defense attorney.
