U.S. DUI Rates Decrease, but Officials Remain Concern

LOS ANGELES - Nov. 5, 2018 - PRLog -- Law enforcement and government officials are trying to increase safety measures and prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI). According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased in 2011-2016 before declining last year.

DUI fatalities are more of a problem during the holiday season. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that an average of 300 people were killed in accidents related to drunk driving have stressed the increased safety risks during the holidays due to drunk driving between 2012 and 2016.

Government officials are beginning to take the advice of the NHTSA. In 2013, the administration recommended lowering the legal blood alcohol content level for driving a car to 0.05 percent. This year, Utah will become the first state to pass a law based on that recommendation. The law will go into effect on New Years Eve, 2018.

Other community and national organizations are promoting additional safety measures. For example, Mothers Against Drunk Driving have published studies that show the efficacy of ignition interlock devices in cars. In addition, school-based programs offer preventative alcohol education courses for students.

Law enforcement officers also continue to recommend alternatives to drunk driving, including taking public transportation.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation's Uniform Crime Reporting Program reported that approximately 1,018,000 DUI arrests occurred in the U.S. in 2016.

Individuals who are charged with a DUI may have their license revoked or face jail time, depending on the severity of the crime. Some people may also have the option to attend drug court or alcohol rehab programs.

https://www.drugaddictionnow.com/2018/11/05/although-dui-rates-decrease-us-officials-concerned/