Everyone in the United States is just one simple Google search away from reading devastating headlines regarding DUI related traffic accidents. Many of these accidents involve fatalities of innocent people who were in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Now it seems, many states across the country have had enough of these tragic incidents and are looking to make a change. Lawmakers from some states, like Pennsylvania for example, are working to introduce stricter DUI laws for repeat offenders. These proposals point to the strict DUI laws enforced here in Arizona as the blueprint for the changes they would like to see in their own states.
Recently, a study was conducted by WalletHub to rank each of the 50 states in the U.S. as well as Washington D.C. on how effective and how strict their DUI laws are. Arizona led the study at #1 out of 51. To reach this conclusion, WalletHub examined 15 key metrics to evaluate which states are strictest and which are the most lenient when it comes to DUI offenses.
Arizona ranked high in several categories including minimum jail time for a first offense and repeat offenses. The study also took into account at what point a DUI is automatically considered a felony and how long an offenders drivers license is suspended.
To see the full results of the report, click here.
Driving drunk has continued to be a major issue in our country that not only leads to the loss of human life, but also economic loss as experts estimate that drunk driving costs Americans close to $60 billion each year. There have been improvements over the years as states have begun to crack down on DUI offenders. These improvements include fewer accidents and fewer fatalities from 25 to 30 years ago. While some people feel that this improvement over the years is due to a general shift in attitude toward driving while impaired, lawmakers and law enforcement agencies will argue that it is the tougher laws and penalties that are making the big difference.
It looks like, for the near future at least, other states in the U.S. will follow Arizona’s example by working to implement tougher DUI laws. For Arizonans, expect this new report to bolster the confidence of law enforcement as they continue to increase DUI stops and patrols.
There are 2 things that the Naegle & Crider team highly suggest – know your rights when it comes to a DUI stop and always call an attorney no matter what. An experienced DUI attorney can put things in motion early on that will make a big difference in the outcome of your case.