Numerous factors, which have become a consequence of the deplorable situation in the economy, led to the fact that DWI has become the most serious crime of all. Drunk drivers are hated by insurance companies, by the judiciary (numerous cases of drunk driving very slow down the promotion of other cases), by the supporters of a healthy lifestyle, by sellers and manufacturers of alcohol (because of this, the government constantly increases fines, duties and taxes), as well as human rights activists.
Nonetheless, drunk motorists increase the profits of manufacturers of various alco-stop (the total revenues from sales of electronic bracelets and other "sobering" devices amount to $ 12 million per year) (Levitt and Porter 2001). The state also pofits from drunk driving through fines (for example, the maximum in New York is $ 10,000, whereas in Illinois the fine is $25,000), funeral homes (as cynical as it may sound), as well as owners of private prisons (we are talking about illegal immigrants arrested for a DWI offense) (Levitt and Porter 2001).
In the United States the penalty varies from state to state. Thus, in the most populous US state - California there is graduation, not only by the number of alcohol contained in the driver’s blood, but also by how old the driver is (Levitt and Porter 2001). If the driver is under 18 years of age (the right to drive in most states presupposes driving starting from 16, however, with certain restrictions), then the driver must be absolutely sober (Vegega 2010)! At the age of 18 to 21 years, motorists are not considered drunk if alcohol in their blood amounts to 0.01 percent. For the rest of the limit is set at around 0.08 percent (Levitt and Porter 2001). The punishment changes depending on the frequency of such offenses. Thus, in the event of the first offense the drunk is penalized by a fine ranging from 390 to 1000 dollars, with a deprivation of a driving license for a period of six months with the possibility of an earlier reinstatement 90 days after the sentences comes into force or may be sentenced to jail for a term of up to six months (Vegega 2010). In addition, the drunk driver may be required to listen to the 30-hour course (over a period of three months) about the dangers of drunk driving as well as have his / her car equipped with a special alcolock for up to three years from the moment of being caught (World Health Organization 2007).
Repeat offenders are punished more severely. The size of the fine, however, remains unchanged, but the period of driving license deprivation of rights is increased to four years, and imprisonment - from six months to three years (Levitt and Porter 2001). Special ignition interlock devices in this case will also be installed for a period of three years, and the offender will be forced to participate in the program and listen about the dangers of drunk driving for an increased period of up 18 months. In addition, the car of the offender will receive a constant sticker, which will serve as an indication about potential danger that will emanate from the driver on the road (World Health Organization 2007). More so, in the event that the offender will refuse to undergo a medical examination, the punishment will be more severe. In the event of a first offense, the deprivation of a driving license followed by an installation of an ignition interlock and an alcolock will be mandatory (Levitt and Porter 2001).
Therefore, in order to evade any fines, being deprived of one’s driving license and not be forced to participate in special programs aimed at reducing drunk driving, it is preferable not to drink at all.
References
World Health Organization. (2007). Drinking and driving: a road safety manual for decision-makers and practitioners. Geneva: Global Road Safety Partnership.
Levitt Steven D. and Jack Porter. (2001). How Dangerous Are Drinking Drivers? Journal of Political Economy. Vol. 109 (6).
Vegega, M. (2010). Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS). A Technological Solution to Eliminate Drunk Driving. Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety.
