How much longer will it take to get rid of careless drunk drivers? Drunk driving has been a problem in the United States since the beginning of automobiles; however, it did not become an important social issue until the mid 1980's. Drunk driving was defined as a problem located within individuals or groups. Drunk driving is illegal in every state. It is not only illegal, but unsafe to operate an automobile if you are under the influence of alcohol. When a person drinks, the alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream and various tests have been designed to measure the level of alcohol in a person's blood. In most states, if a person has a blood alcohol level greater than .08%, that person is over intoxicated and it is not safe operate an automobile. Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered the nation's most frequently committed violent crime.
Laws, Fines, Causes, Problems In 1980, the public supported a range of countermeasures, like governing DUI’s. Between 1981 and 1987 some 934 new laws dealing with drunk driving were passed by state legislatures. Legal measures focus on deterring drunken drivers by providing stricter laws and punishment. To prevent drunk driving, a combination of stricter laws with harsh punishments and non-criminal countermeasures must be given. Legal measures are said to protect citizens through deterrence. Deterrence is defined as a negative motivational influence. People who support legal measures are calling for harsher laws and tougher punishments. Some of the proposed measures are: 1) anyone convicted of drunk driving will be required to pay large fines (starting at $5,000) 2) Anyone convicted of drunk driving will be required to spend at least some time in jail or prison. 3) All convicted drivers will be required to have yellow license plates on their cars so that other people will know who they are and what they have done. 4) Anyone convicted will automatically lose their driver's