Buzzed Driving

by: Joseph Devine
Since the 1980’s, the movement against drunk driving has steadily grown in public awareness through both social campaigns and in the ever-tightening strictures of the law. Spearheaded by such groups as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the push for greater individual responsibility and increased intervention by friends (the notion of “taking away the keys”) has had tangible consequences on our cultural approach to this habit. A relatively recent development in this struggle concerns the notion of “buzzed” driving, or getting behind the wheel under moderate influence. Polls and surveys indicate that, while people understand the danger they and their friends pose driving drunk, many do not consider “a few drinks” to be problematic. Unfortunately, the idea and impact of a couple of drinks varies infinitely by person and situation. When pressured, some of those surveyed admitted that a few drinks might be as many as eight or ten beers. With this in mind, many are advocating the stance (and adopting the slogan) that “buzzed driving IS drunk driving.” This approach puts stock in the idea that DUI cases do not necessarily have to be proven by per se charges - meaning the establishment of a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) greater than .08% - but that impairment can be proven by other means. These might include physical and behavioral symptoms or an accident that can be linked to the driver’s “buzzed” state. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, has been the major force behind the buzzed driving campaign. Known for their 20-year-old “Friends don’t let friends drive drunk” mantra, NHTSA has released several commercials that drive home the dangers of thinking that you’re alright to drive. Most of these advertisements attempt to target the 18 to 34 year-old male demographic that the administration estimates is responsible for the vast majority of drinking-related road incidents. Probably the most difficult part of this issue is the very fact that knowing the point at which you or someone is “buzzed” is nearly impossible to define and very easy to deny. Thus, people may easily fool themselves into a false sense of security if they are able to focus in and declare that they have their wits about them. If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI offense related to “buzzed” driving, you should do your best to fight this from affecting your record and your life. A major part of this fight is picking an attorney that is experienced in the field and right for you. Check out the website of Rhode Island DUI defense attorney James Powderly today for more information at http://www.rhodeislandduidefenselawyer.com
Article Source:http://www.articlecity.com/articles/legal/article_1374.shtml