It’s no secret that drunk driving can be deadly. Unfortunately, many drivers in Florida and all over the nation still take to the roads inebriated, which can end in physical injury, property damage, or even loss of life. To illustrate the threat that driving while intoxicated poses all drivers, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention offer the following information.
What Florida Drivers Should Know
Drunk driving laws vary quite a bit from state to state. In Florida, drivers with a BAC of 0.08% or higher are considered inebriated (which is standard across all 50 states). However, Florida law also stipulates that a BAC above 0.15 are subject to harsher penalties like ignition interlock devices (according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety). This state also allows sobriety checkpoints, which are areas where all drivers can be stopped and checked by police without probable cause.
Statistics
Between 2003 and 2012 more than 8,000 Florida drivers were killed as a result of drunk driving. That makes this state much higher when compared to the national average, particularly for drivers aged 21 through 34. Florida also ranks higher in terms of drivers who claim to have drove drunk in the past month (2.1% of drivers in Florida as compared to 1.9% in the rest of the country).
How Drunk Driving Can Be Prevented
There are a number of steps Florida is taking reduce the number of drunk driving deaths. When it comes to underage drivers, the state has instituted a zero-tolerance policy, which means it’s illegal to drive with a BAC of any level. They also advocate alcohol screenings, which can take place at school or during a doctor’s appointment. If you’re convicted, the state can even suspend or revoke your driver’s license. The length to time will depend on the circumstances of your arrest and is generally at the discretion of the judge.