I have been following the recent talk of lowering the legal limit for driving under the influence. While I am certainly concerned with the number of DUIs in our state, as well as the increase in accidents they cause, I wonder if lowering the limit is really any kind of reasonable solution.
It is my understanding that most drunk driving arrests are a result of the driver being pulled over. I can only assume that most of the time they are driving in such a manner that it draws the attention of police. Swerving, crossing the center line, as well as rolling through a stop sign, or speeding. I have to ask if someone who is guilty of a .03 alcohol level, will draw this kind of attention.
I believe that most DUI accidents, especially those resulting in serious injury or even death are not the result of persons who are at .03..At least I have never heard of any.
The drunk drivers on our streets and highways are more often than not, guilty of repeated offenses. I read about and watch on the news where many of them have gotten four drunk driving offenses, or even more. It would certainly appear that they do not belong behind the wheel of any car, ever! When you keep charging these offenders with a misdemeanor crime, it usually means little or no jail time, pay your fines, and on your way you go!
How can these offenders take drunk driving seriously, as long as they are treated like what they do isn’t such a big deal! Whether or not they are a .03 or a .08 changes nothing! Make the second offense a felony, if you want to make a real difference. Being a convicted felon changes everything!
Linda Varon
Marysville
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
