17% Drop-off Recorded Over Last 3 Years
A remarkable decline in the amount of DUIs filed has police and officials around the state patting themselves on the back for implementing changes that appear to have curtailed drunk driving in Colorado by a significant margin.
Charges filed for driving under the influence and driving while ability impaired have dropped by 5,462 correlating to 17.4 since 2009. Traffic fatalities involving alcohol have also been consistently on a downtrend since 2001. Much of the credit for the decline has been given to more aggressive enforcement combined with larger penalties and an increase in overall decision making by the general public as a response to the measures.
Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey offered some explanation for the new tendency. "I think people are being more cautious about it. Through harsher punishments, more DUI checkpoints, and the stories in the news, it seems like more people are getting the message."
In 2008 legislators modified DUI laws to include heavier penalties both in terms of jail time and monetary expenses. Now, even a first time offender faces a minimum of two days to a week in jail, and repeat offenders can face from 10-60 days incarcerated. Increases in fines were also part of the new law. First time offenses for DUI now carry a fine of up to $1,000, while initial DWAI convictions will have fines ranging from $200 to $500.
The new law also incorporated a new technology called Interlock, which requires the driver of a vehicle to take an in-car breathalyzer test in order to start the vehicle. First time offenders with a blood alcohol content (BAC) under 0.17% are required to use the Interlock system for nine months. Those who are convicted of DUI with a BAC higher than 0.17% and repeat DUI offenders will be forced to use Interlock for two years.
Any attempt to circumvent the Interlock system results in more punishment and penalties. If a driver continually attempts to start a vehicle while drunk with Interlock installed, the required Interlock period will increase. If the device is tampered with or disabled, the driver will lose all motor vehicle privileges.
The Interlock device sends monthly logs of a drivers behavior and habits to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Approximately 3,800 drivers with the Interlock system have their license revoked or the Interlock period extended due to non-compliance.
If you are injured by a suspected drunk driver, or hurt in any car accident in the Denver area, please call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger today at (303)-279-0221 for a free initial consultation. We help injured people - it's all we do!
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