Auto Trader California 
What safe driving habits do you practice? Car crashes are one of the leading causes of death in the United States, caused by factors ranging from manufacturing errors to driving under the influence to distractions while on the open road. While companies have started work on technology to curb these occurrences, such as discreet breathalyzers and interlock devices, the onus still rests on drivers to practice responsible habits to keep both themselves and others safe all days of the week. If you or someone you know has been convicted of a DUI, meeting with a drunk driving attorney is paramount to better navigating the legal system. Continue reading below to learn more about drunk driving, discreet breathalyzers and simple daily habits you can do to increase the safety of you and others.
What Is Drunk Driving?
Every day in the United States, another 28 people will die as a result of driving under the influence. A DUI is classified when a person has a BAC (blood alcohol content) above the recommended amount, though this can vary from state to state. Some will have you arrested and convicted of a DUI if you have a BAC of below 0.08 and, contrary to popular belief, a DUI is not always caused because of alcohol. Certain medications, such as over-the-counter allergy pills, can cause drowsiness and impaired motor control not unlike a few beers or a glass of wine. Drugs, like marijuana or cocaine, can impede your ability to think clearly and increase your chances of getting into an accident while driving.
What Are Drunk Driving Rates?
Studies are conducted on a regular basis to analyze the cause and effects of drunk driving around the country. The annual cost of alcohol-related crashes have exceeded $60 billion, in both property damages and medical fees, and businesses are working night and day to create discreet breathalyzers and awareness campaigns to reduce this number. Every day sees dozens of people killed and injured from drunk driving crashes, even though avoiding this occurrence is very simple and easy to do with safe driving habits. This includes, but is not limited to — avoiding texting and changing the station while driving, getting your car routinely checked at the repair shop, calling for a designated driver when drunk and helping others get home safely if they’re unable to drive safely.
What Are Safe Driving Habits?
It’s necessary to practice safe driving habits every single time you sit behind the wheel, as even a temporary lapse in judgement or vehicle maintenance can cause injury and even death on the open road. It only takes a split second to avoid a car crash, which is often taken up by drivers texting or changing the radio station. Even a small amount of alcohol in your system can reduce your reaction time and impair your judgement — a single beer needs two hours to fully be broken down by your system, so either walk it off or call for a designated driver after a party or meeting. For repeat offenders, ignition interlock companies have created discreet breathalyzers and interlock cups to avoid another occurrence.
What Are Car Breathalyzers?
A discreet breathalyzer can detect alcohol on the driver’s breath, determining whether or not they are fit to drive. If not, the car will refuse to start. Interlocks are useful for reducing repeat offenses — even after the device has been removed and the driver fit for traversing the open road, the rate of reduction is at nearly 40% compared to those who never used it. Interlocks are now associated with a 70% reduction in arrest rates for impaired driving, as well, and are frequently turned to as a major solution to an ongoing problem. There are well over 150,000 interlock systems in cars across the United States, though hopefully this number can be reduced with increased awareness of safe habits.