Rhode Island Drinking and Driving – Prevention & Consequences

Drinking and Driving

DUI or driving under the influence means that the driver has some amount of alcohol in their system while driving. While the legal BAC is .08<, every person is different with how they process and handle the effects of alcohol. Driving requires the right amount of focus and concentration. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, have too much alcohol in your system can make it difficult for your liver to process it fast enough. Alcohol that is waiting to be processed will start affecting other parts of your body, including your brain. The brain is a sensitive organ; when a significant amount of alcohol is introduced to the body, a person will have difficulty walking, blurred vision, speech problems, slower reaction times and impaired memory. Any of these symptoms can dramatically decrease your concentration and ability to drive safely.

Prevention – Rhode Island

One of the most influential organizations in the fight for stricter legislation against drunk drivers is MADD or Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Drunk driving deaths have been cut in half since the organization was founded in 1980. Each state is different on how they chose to punish and regulate DUI offenders. Rhode Island legislatures most current legislation was in 2014, which required ignition interlocks for all repeat and first-time offenders with a BAC of .15 or greater, nearly twice the legal limit. Rhode Island has one of the lowest ratings given by MADD regarding preventative measure to decrease the amount of drunk drivers in their state. The state does have fairly strict laws that increase penalties for drunk driving convictions when there was a child passenger in one of the vehicles.

Drinking and Driving in Rhode Island

Of all traffic-related fatalities that occurred last year, drinking and driving was involved in 30% of the accidents. Drinking and driving is one of the most preventable causes of accidents because you just need to be smart and have a designated driver or wait till you are sober. RI taxpayers are estimated to pay over $150 million towards damages from drunk drivers each year. Rhode Island considers DUI/DWI a felony offense based on the number of prior convictions.

Memorial Day Weekend Safety

There are twice as many auto accident deaths on this holiday than New Years or Fourth of July. While celebrating and enjoying yourself is important, being smart and safe can help save lives. If you are going to be going out this weekend, make sure you have a designated driver available. Download the Rob Levine Safe Ride App to get your FREE taxi ride home, in the Providence Area, this Monday, May 30th from 4 pm – 2 am. Have a great weekend and remember to be responsible.