First, let’s get our terms straight. “Dumb” is a colloquial term meaning “showing a lack of intelligence,” evidenced by the making of bad or foolish decisions. “3 percent” is derived from 2,000 drivers caught driving impaired out of 63,000 stopped in a 5-week period. “Arizona drivers” are, well, drivers in Arizona.
The campaign took place on Arizona roads between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Out of those 2,000 DUIs, more than 400 were extreme cases (a blood alcohol level over .15) and about 260 were aggravated cases (cases made more severe because of circumstances like a minor in the vehicle, injury or death, or driving with a suspended license.
You might think, “Only 3 percent?” Not so bad. But think of how many cars you encounter on the roads every day, coming toward you on the highway? It probably numbers in the hundreds, and these numbers suggest that 3 out of every hundred drivers – and not just Arizona drivers – are not able to fully control their vehicle.
Arizona Drivers Face Severe DUI Consequences
Despite being impaired, those 3 out of 100 Arizona drivers decided to get behind the wheel and risk some of the toughest DUI penalties in the nation.
- Jail time – from 10 days for a first offense to 2 years for aggravated DUI
- Fines of $1,250 to 3,250
- Alcohol screening, treatment, and education
- Ignition interlock for all offenses
- Community service
Add to that the legal fees and the higher insurance costs after a DUI, and “dumb” is about the only word to use for the decision to drink and drive.
Yet 2,000 people were caught. And many more did it and weren’t caught – this time.
Given how many impaired drivers are on Arizona’s roads, you’re advised to take care. And more important, stay out of that 3 percent who decide they’re okay to drive even though they’re under the influence. You might not be perfect, but you’re not dumb, are you?