Per se drug laws have no impact on traffic fatalities

A recent study by the University of Colorado and Montana State University show that the imposition of per se drugged driving laws, DUI, have no impact on the number of traffic fatalities.

Researchers analyzed data from 1990 till 2010.  The data revealed that the passage of the DUI drug laws had no impact on the reduction of traffic fatalities.  This is interesting since more and more states are pushing for some type of per se drug law.  The same researchers determined that the passage of medical marijuana laws actually led to a decrease in traffic fatalities.

Currently eighteen states have per se drug laws.  The states currently with per se laws are Arizona, Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.  Even the White House has issued a statement asking states to pass a zero tolerance per se drug law.

This is not to say that a person in Birmingham, Alabama cannot face a DUI conviction when they are under the influence of drugs.  Although in Alabama there is no per se drug law, officers may still arrest a suspected DUI driver if they can show the driver cannot operate a motor vehicle safely.

The attorneys of Boles Holmes White have a history of success in the court room and are ready to represent clients nationwide. If you find yourself facing DUI or DWI charges, it is important to find an experienced DUI attorney to represent you.