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Thursday, October 8, 2009

Understanding DUI

By Richard Milford

It seems like these days almost everyone knows someone who has been arrested for a DUI. The surprising thing is that despite the commonality of the phrase there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding what a DUI actually is.

One misconception is that you can only be cited while driving a car, which is wrong. Operating motorcycles, boats, trucks and planes are subject to DUI charges, also. DUI means "Driving Under the Influence", but many refer to it as drunk driving and that is not correct. Drunk driving is alcohol related whereas DUI involves other drugs legal, or not.

DUI's are treated as a criminal offense, which increases the severity of the consequences. The primary reason for this is that when you get your driver's license, you have to pass a written test where you display your knowledge of what driving under the influence can bring about. Additionally, when you are caught for a DUI, you are not simply putting yourself at risk, but you are actually putting everyone else on the road at significant risk.

Normally the BAC, or blood alcohol content, is what ultimately determines a DUI. However, that is not the only possible way for a DUI conviction to take place. It is important to know what your local legal BAC limits are at any time, because these can vary by state.

Again though, not only traditional alcoholic beverages can lead to your conviction of DUI. If you are under the influence of illicit drugs, you are impaired and should not be driving. Some prescription drugs indicate that you should not operate machinery while taking them. If you choose to get behind the wheel then you may be putting yourself and others at risk.

However, perhaps the oddest way that you can get a DUI is actually with something that seems nearly harmless. Cough syrups and cold medicines often have alcohol as an ingredient. If you take too much and then get on the road, your blood alcohol level might be above the legal limit.

It is hard to say what the consequences of a DUI are since the states do have their own sets of laws. Common punishments are suspended driver's licenses or restrictions, probation, fines or time in jail.

If is also worth noting that if you are arrested for a DUI you are most likely in for a surprise with your insurance premiums. When you are convicted, you will have to file an SR-22, and your insurance may elect to drop you. Additionally, you have instantly become harder to insure. You are a bigger risk for the company so you will have to pay higher premiums and most likely a higher deductible. - 21393

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