We’ve all come across those witty traffic signs warning us not to drive after having drinks, yet how many people still do it? On average, about 300,000 individuals drive under the influence every day. Shockingly, the average person will drive drunk about 80 times before they are eventually apprehended.
Tragically, almost two-thirds of Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related car accident at some point in their lives, with 27 individuals dying daily due to drunk driving. Despite humorous attempts by the state transportation department to address this topic, drunk driving is nothing to joke about. This is exactly why Arizona has the most stringent drink-driving laws.
In Arizona, a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy is implemented, whereby police officers use their judgement to assess whether you are impaired, even if your BAC (blood alcohol concentration) is below the 0.08 legal limit. Despite this rigorous approach, approximately 140,000 individuals, or 1 in 50 people, have been given a DUI in Arizona over the past five years.
The state of Arizona isn’t only strict on alcohol, but equally on drug-impaired driving. With the zero-tolerance policy, one can be charged with a DUI with even the slightest presence of any drug or its metabolites in their system, irrespective of whether they’re impaired or not. This includes prescription drugs like Xanax and also lawful recreational marijuana.
Drugs like marijuana can stay in your system for quite some time, meaning you could, for instance, be pulled over on a Tuesday morning commute, several days after last use, be asked for a blood test, and subsequently wind up with a DUI charge! The implications of a DUI can range from automatic driving licence suspension for 90 days, mandatory drug and alcohol screenings, to possible treatment for substance abuse disorder. Further consequences could involve fines, prison time, extended treatment, or even license revocation lasting a year or more depending on the severity of the case.
As evident, the DUI legislation and its associated penalties can be intricate and challenging to comprehend. Thankfully, Alyssa Tonking at Turning Point Recovery LLC is well-acquainted with the Arizona statute, certified by ADOT and the Arizona Department of Health Services, and can help you understand the intricate DUI landscape.
Those who receive a DUI are not all in need of substance use treatment. Working with an experienced counselor specializing in substance use disorders, however, can hasten the process of getting you safely back on the road. If you find yourself in such a situation, feel free to call today for a complimentary consultation.
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