Beginning January 1, 2014, Colorado drivers who refuse to take a sobriety test will be labeled as "persistent drunk drivers". Currently, motorists who decline to submit to the test are treated as drunk drivers, and their license is suspended. Next year, they will be required to hook a breathalyzer to their car and blow into it to determine their blood alcohol content, before the car would start. Drivers would have to wait two months into their suspension to be eligible for the breathalyzer device. Twenty states now require the devices for first time drunk drivers.
Statistics from Mothers Against Drunk Driving indicate that there were 25,000 DUI arrests in Colorado in 2012, and approximately one third refused to use a breathalyzer or have their blood drawn.
Under the current law, those who have a blood alcohol content of .17 or have multiple convictions are considered persistent drunk drivers. In 2014, the limit will be lowered to .15.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in Colorado in 2012, there were 169 fatal car accidents involving alcohol. Approximately 54 percent involved a driver whose blood alcohol content was greater than .15.
If you have been injured in an auto accident resulting from a drunk driver, call The Law Offices of Robert Paysinger, P.C. office for a free consultation or visit our website at www.paysingerlaw.com and speak to an experienced personal injury attorney.
Source: www.thedenverchannel.com
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