The Various Theories Behind Drunk Driving Laws

In Kansas, the legal blood alcohol limit is .08 percent. However, various groups are of the opinion that this limit should be reduced. In fact, the legal limit in Utah will be .05 percent starting at the end of December. The National Traffic Safety Board also agrees that drivers should not operate motor vehicles with a blood alcohol content of more .05 percent. Research from the Texas Medical Center Health Policy Institute found that most Americans were in favor of such a reduction.

Each day, 29 people are killed on average because of accidents involving drunk drivers. By reducing the legal alcohol limit to .05 percent, it would reportedly save 1,800 lives annually. Furthermore, it would cut down on the $44 billion lost because of drunk driving accidents. Ultimately, the goal is to make roads as safe as possible, and lowering blood alcohol limits may only be one step in that process.

In addition, it may be a good idea to consider ignition interlock devices for all drivers who have been convicted of a DWI. Furthermore, many say that insurance discounts should be given to drivers who install them even if they have a clean driving record. Critics of tightened drunk driving laws claim that these regulations could turn responsible people into criminals and hurt local tourist economies.

Someone who is facing a DWI charge may benefit from retaining legal representation. An attorney could fight to obtain a plea bargain or have the case dismissed entirely. Legal counsel may cast doubt on a blood test or what an officer saw that caused a traffic stop to occur.