Federal officials at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have recently released the annual Most Wanted List, which details some of the most pressing safety concerns across all forms of transportation. Among the Top 10 safety issues ranked by officials, impaired driving was listed as a prominent concern.
According to the NTSB, the risks of impaired driving are well-known. Many high visibility campaigns over the past decade have also helped convey how serious the problem is in America. According to data, one-third of highway deaths involve a driver impaired by alcohol. Still, impaired driving continues to injure and kill thousands of Americans each year.
Aside from targeting drunk driving – which is always a priority for officials – the NTSB has noted that more emphasis should be placed on drugged driving. After all, our culture has seen an increase in drivers who are impaired by drugs. These include not just street drugs either, but also prescription pills, recreational or medical marijuana, and other drugs that can affect a motorist’s ability to drive safely.
As part of the Most Wanted List, the NTSB also proposes efforts and solutions to address the safety concerns. Some of their recommendations to fight impaired driving include:
- For alcohol-related DUIs, the NTSB suggests that the legal BAC limit be lowered from .08 to .05 or even lower.
- More research into the amount of a certain drug consumed and its effect on driving.
- Commercial carriers should regularly test drivers for drugs or alcohol, especially after accidents.
- Stronger impaired driving laws and more high visibility enforcement, such as checkpoints.
- Mandatory ignition interlock devices (IID) to reduce the number repeat offenders.
At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, Inc., we are well aware of the goals safety officials have in regard to addressing impaired driving – and we know that many of them revolve around stricter laws, more enforcement, and tougher penalties. As such, our attorneys are readily available to help motorists arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol anywhere throughout Orange County.
If you would like to learn more about our firm, visit www.DUIQueen.com or call 877-384-7833.
