There is no denying that drunk driving is a serious problem throughout the world. Nearly one-third of all of the traffic fatalities that occur are caused by a driver that was legally impaired at the time. Driving under the influence will remain a serious problem unless something is done. While the laws in the United State have tightened, statistics show that drinking and driving convictions are on the rise in larger cities like Birmingham, Alabama. Currently, a driver with Blood Alcohol Concentration of .08 or higher is considered to be drunk. If convicted of DUI, a driver can face serious consequences which include imprisonment of up to 1 year and a license suspension of 90 days. While some think that the law is enough to reduce DUI rates, others argue that the community needs to get involved. 
Find out how you and members of your community can take action to reduce the incidence of DUI where you live.
How Can The Community Get Involved as a Whole?
Generally, people tend to get involved in reducing DUI rates when someone they know has been affected by drunk drivers. The community can come together, by getting involved in programs like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and hold events that will increase awareness throughout the nation. Community-wide intervention can save lives. Your local neighborhoods and boroughs should each offer better access to substance abuse treatment programs so that those with drinking problems have the opportunity to target the root of the problem before they cause injuries or fatalities on the road. Communities like Birmingham, and others throughout the U.S. that have implemented these community-wide programs have reported a dramatic decrease in alcohol related fatal crashes. This shows just how social responsibility can make a dramatic difference.
How Can You Make A Difference In Personal Situations?
If you feel like you do not have time to get involved in a community program or a statewide effort, you can make a difference in your personal life as well. Some people simply cannot schedule a walk, a conference, or a volunteer time, into their busy weekend or evening. The best thing to do in this case is to educate people close to you about the dangers of drinking and driving. You can stress how your children, your friends, and your family members can have fun and still be careful when they are drinking. If you are throwing a party at your home, do not allow your guests to drive themselves home if they have been drinking. You can require them to have a designated driver, help them get a taxi, and take their keys before anyone starts to drink. You can also help your friends by giving them a ride when they have been drinking and cannot afford a taxi. You might give them a lecture, but they will know that the lecture is much better than the consequences of having to pay for a Birmingham criminal attorney because they were arrested.
The community is socially responsible. You do not have to drink for drinking and driving to affect you.
It is time to reduce the rates of DUI in the state and worldwide. Spending time to educate your friends, family members, and the community, is much better than calling a Birmingham DUI Lawyer to learn about the process of fighting DUI charges. Do your part. Reduce fatalities, make the community a safer place, and make a difference.
R.L. Stevens is a freelance writer and a contributing author for the DUI firm of Lakeman Peagler in Birmingham. If you happen to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation that involves drinking and driving, he highly recommends hiring a specialized lawyer in your local area.
Resource: Mothers Against Drink Driving
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net
It’s just so hard to believe that anyone might still drink and drive. But as you mention the alcohol is still in the bloodstream for many hours later and a late night drinking session coupled with an early morning drive to work spells potential disaster as you are not fully aware of what you are doing.
Perhaps regular spot checks early mornings might be another worthwhile deterrant but they would have to be done very quickly and limit traffic holdups. And of course do the police have the funds or resources to do this?
I don’t think the police have the funds or resources to do do so many spot checks on a regular basis although they do spot checks if they feel there is a need to pull a car over, maybe if they seem to be driving erratically or have a light out for example.