On a daily basis, people engage in a variety of behaviors while operating their vehicles that place themselves and others in danger. In addition to using cell phones and manipulating electronic devices, many individuals choose to drive while under the influence of intoxicants or illicit drugs.

It’s been found that 660,000 drivers use their cell phones and other devices at any given moment when they should be focused on driving. Due to not placing their attention on traffic flow, signs and lights, pedestrians, and other issues, these distracted drivers may become involved in and/or cause accidents. When these drivers are also operating their vehicles while under the influence of intoxicants or illicit drugs, their driving may become even more distracted or erratic.

Prior to being arrested for the first time, drunk drivers have driven drunk 80 times. On a daily basis, less than 4,000 people are arrested for driving drunk. However, there are approximately 300,000 other individuals on the roads engaged in drunk driving. Drivers under the age of 21 are responsible for 17% of the fatalities associated with alcohol-related crashes.

Individuals that drive while under the influence of illicit drugs also place themselves and others in danger. In 2012, for example, 10.3 million people reported that they had previously driven while under the influence of these types of drugs.

When someone is arrested for driving drunk, there are a variety of repercussions. If this occurs in Oregon, for example, it is prohibited to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above. In addition to having their license suspended for a year, they will either spend a minimum of 48 hours in jail or serve 80 hours of community service. Oregon also requires individuals to pay a fine for a first DUII offense. This fine will usually amount to $1,000.00 or more.

If arrested for a DUII, it is important to contact a DUII law firm to consult with criminal defense attorneys. In some cases, individuals may be able to participate in a DUI diversion program. In the event that someone has been injured or died due to being in an accident where intoxicants were involved, receiving counsel from experienced criminal defense attorneys is advised.