Drinking and driving is illegal in all 50 states, but many people do not know much about the specifics of drunk driving in their state or about the history of these charges. What drunk driving facts might surprise you?
1. Drunk driving laws have been on the books for over 100 years.
New York established the first state law to prohibit drinking and driving in 1910, and most other states followed soon after. This was long before the authorities used breath tests to determine a driver’s level of intoxication—the first breath test wasn’t invented until 1936, and the Breathalyzer we know today was introduced in 1953.
2. DUI citations in Florida can serve as a temporary license.
Your license is not the only document that allows you to drive. The fine print of license citations allows the citation itself to serve as a temporary driver’s license for people who have been pulled over for drunk driving.
3. Drunk driving injuries are on the rise, but fatalities decreased between 2018 and 2019. The Florida Department of Highway Safety And Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) reports yearly crash statistics, including drunk driving statistics. In 2018, Florida’s citizens reported 2,984 injuries due to drunk driving. However, 3,002 people suffered injuries in 2019, showing a slight increase.
Drunk driving fatalities, on the other hand, have decreased. While Florida saw 372 deaths in 2018 due to drinking and driving, 2019 showed a slight improvement with 360 fatalities.
If you face drunk driving charges and wonder what facts are important for your case, speak to an experienced Orlando DUI attorney. They can help you navigate the law, dispel any misconceptions you may have, and help you fight for the best possible results.