Understanding of DUI Laws and the Need to Implement Such Laws - Essay Example

DUI Laws Essay DUI Laws Essay In the US, the issue of drunk driving cannot be overlooked. Each year millions of people drive while under the influence of alcohol. In most occasions, this has led to tragic and devastating results. The alcohol impaired driving car crashes have claimed the lives of adult drivers as well as the most vulnerable, the children. These deaths are however preventable as policies have shown to keep drunk drivers keep off driving and hence saving thousands of lives (Greene, 2003). Driving under influence ( DUI ) is probably among the most preventable traffic offenses in the United States since one is not forced to drink and drive (Aston, 2013). However, Americans still drink alcohol and drive despite the DUI prevention efforts through DUI laws. This is so as alcohol is deeply rooted in the American culture and way of life. Considering this, there is astonishingly large gap in scientific knowledge regarding the drinking under the influence among the American citizens (Bracken, 2012). It is for this reasons that I have decided to undertake a course in DUI laws. Through this class, I intend to partake in the implementation and formulation of traffic policies within my country. More so, I intend to undertake research on the inconsistencies between law and ethics. Personally, I have been a victim of drunk driving and the incidence nearly landed me in prison. I drove through a police checkpoint before the officers stopped my car and requested me to pull to the side of the road. At first, I was hesitant since I felt that this type of laws should not be applied in a free country. I saw this inspection as an invasion of my privacy and a collapse of American democracy. Before I could explain my case, the officers requested me to get out of the car and asked me several questions before they suspected me of drunk driving. Nonetheless, I was adamant that I had not taken any alcohol. According to my own understanding, being drunk is a personal issue and levels of drunkenness vary across different individuals. Before this incidence, I considered drunk driving an imposition that is meant to invade or violate people’s privacy. The officers requested me to undertake certain tests such as balancing my body on one leg before I took a breathalyzer test. Through these tests, the officers concluded that I was drunk and that I had violated the drunken driving laws according to state’s regulation. I was detained in the police station for the night. In addition, my driving license was confisiticated. Although I had never had any previous encounters or conflict with the law, this incidence changed my outlook on the US justice system. Indeed, the incidence had a major implication on my family members were concerned with my freedom. According to the state’s law, individual charged with any offence must be arraigned in a court of law within 48 hours follow an arrest of course with a few exemptions during public holidays and weekends. During my court proceedings I pleaded guilty for the offence but denied the fact that, I was driving under influence and that my actions posed a risk to other motorist. According to my reasoning, drinking and driving is an individual affair and people have the right to determine how much is too much in terms of their alcohol consumption and driving. Initially, I believed that law is a variable and individuals have the capacity to differentiate between laws and ethics. However thorough the encounter I learnt that law is never a variable and it is applicable to all citizens irrespective of their social status and beliefs. I also learnt that laws are absolute and individuals have the obligations to follow them without any alteration whatsoever. This understanding developed my urge and curiosity in studying the DUI laws. The first class in the DUI laws class is alcohol awareness class. Through this class, the teacher provided the course content that included literature and graphic interpretation of alcoholism. The objective of this class is to introduce learners to the primarily effects of alcohol and the consequences of drunken driving (Bracken, 2012). The course give an understanding of how alcohol affects human body especially the impacts of alcohol on personal decision-making and metabolic reaction. The main message from the course content was the consequences of alcohol of visual and muscular reactions. The tutor explained that crucial activities such as driving comprises of decisions some which are made in split seconds. Thus, a driving under the influence impairs one’s ability to make timely decisions. The consequences of such actions are accidents, which are often fatal (Kessler, 2007). The result is death or life long disability to the concerned individuals or third party. To emphasize on the severity of the issue, the tutor showed us pictures of fatal accidents that had resulted from negligence and drunk driving. The course also explained the reasons why America need strict DUI laws and the reasons for maintaining standards. Drinking under the influence not only affects once ability to make decisions but also the ability to follow certain procedures. For instance, lack to use safety belts is associated with drunk driving. In fact, most fatalities can be prevented through correct use of safety belts. During an impact, a seat belt can reduce fatality by over 60%. The DUI laws also enforce safety measures such as correct use of seat belts (Feldman, 2009). The class revealed the negative impacts of alcohol on personal judgment and decision-making. The course material focused on the brain as the center for decision-making. Consciousness is vital during highly specialized activities such as driving. Through this class, I learnt that DUI laws should not only focus on the consequences of drunken driving but they should address the behavior factors often associated with the behavior. In particular, the laws should address the reasons for drunk driving rather than the impacts of drunk driving. In conclusion, this class has developed my understanding of DUI laws and the need to implement such laws. Through this class, I have learnt that traffic laws need to be enforced through specific standards. In addition, laws and ethical beliefs are independent despite having certain dependencies. The main duty of law enforcement agencies is to mitigate occurrence of accident rather than dealing with the consequences. Thus the laws should focus more on the courses of drunk driving rather than punishing the culprits. Nonetheless, the penalties should act as a deterrent to prevent individuals from driving under the influence. References Aston, E. R. (2013). Self-estimation of blood alcohol concentration: a review. Addictive behaviors, 38(4), 1944-51. Bracken, K. (2012, Dec 14). More DUI checkpoints planned by H.B. police. Orange County Register. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/1238390096?accountid=2909 Feldman, J. M. (2009). A Study of DUI Law Enforcement Practice Based On FBI. Jurimetrics (Chicago, Ill.), 29(2), 221. Greene, J. W. (2003). Battling DUI : A comparative analysis of checkpoints and saturation patrols. FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, 72(1), 1-6. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/204144877?accountid=2909 Kessler, W. C. (2007). Criminal Practice -- A Civil Practioners Guide to DUI Law. Tennessee journal of practice & procedure, 1, 18-29. Read More