DUI or driving under the influence, is an offense commonly associated with drinking and driving on the road. This is however, a misconception that has led many people into legal trouble or accidents because of their lack of knowledge or awareness of it.
Whether you’re driving a car, riding a bike, or even operating a boat, looks like you can still get nabbed for DUI.
DUI or driving under the influence, is an offense commonly associated with drinking and driving on the road. This is however, a misconception that has led many people into legal trouble or accidents because of their lack of knowledge or awareness of it.
In South Los Angeles, 5 bicyclists were recently arrested for bicycle DUI. California Highway Patrol officers conducted field sobriety tests after they smelled alcohol on the riders when they responded to an accident. 5 of the men arrested were aged 18-22 years old and most were riding without helmets and barely visible to motorists.
Also, there is no escape from DUI even if you’re in the high seas. Persons operating any type of boat (from large ships to even a rowboat) can be charged with DUI.
So why is there an across the board prohibition against drinking when operating a vehicle? Simple, alcohol or drugs impairment is one of the leading causes of accidents. So from car crashes to bicycle and pedestrian accidents, and boating mishaps, here are some alcohol-related statistics:
• Daily, 32 people in motor vehicle accidents that involve an alcohol-impaired driver
• In 2009, 28 percent of bicycle riders aged 16 and older killed had blood alcohol
concentrations (BACs) at or above 0.08 percent
• Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents, it was a factor in 16 percent of the deaths
Under the law, all 50 states as well as Southern California have laws which make it a crime to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above the legal limit of 0.08 g alcohol per 100 ml blood. Likewise, in every state, it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In California, it is unlawful to ride a bicycle on a highway while under the influence and is punishable by a fine of up to $250.
These DUI laws are in place to protect and promote public safety as the risk for an accident increases significantly after 0.05 percent BAC and climbs more rapidly after 0.08 percent. Failure of drivers, bicyclists, and boaters to follow the law can give rise to criminal and civil liability especially if it results to an accident that caused either injury or death to another.
