In New York and across the United States, drunk driving fatalities have been increasing. Researchers strive for information as to why this is happening. Simultaneously, law enforcement is aggressive in trying to catch drunk drivers. This combination can be important after a DWI arrest.
Data shows link between more alcohol use and fatal accidents
Zuboti provides driver education information and analysis. In its latest study, research showed that alcohol use has been on the rise for several years. This is believed to be connected to the spike in fatal accidents in which alcohol was a factor.
According to the numbers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 13,386 alcohol-related deaths in 2021. Thirty-one percent of all road deaths had alcohol as a factor. This is the highest total since 2005. The alcohol-related fatality percentage has not been that high since 2013.
Zuboti created a “DUI Severity Score” based on state numbers and populations. It looked at how many people were arrested for DWI for every 100,000 drivers in a state. Then it looked at each state’s alcohol-related road deaths. New York was lower on the list, but that does not mean it is not a concern.
Anyone can be investigated for an alleged DWI, but with the new school year approaching and people of college age and their early 20s likely to attend events and gatherings, these are vulnerable demographics for an arrest. A conviction can spark a host of challenges including jail time, fines, losing a driver’s license, a negative impact at school and when seeking work.
There are ways to fight a DWI charge
After a drunk driving arrest, it does not necessarily mean a conviction is automatic. There may be options available to receive treatment in exchange for waving the charges. The justification for the traffic stop might have been flawed. Or there could have been issues with the testing procedure.
The driver might even be able to show they were not under the influence. Knowing how to combat the case requires a comprehensive strategy based on the situation. This can help with achieving a positive result.