Drunk Driving on LI (Island Park: employment, buying, maintenance)

[Peter B]

Keep in mind, geographically speaking, that Texas is 5.5 times as large as New York.

Originally Posted by LilTownBlues

Statistically, one of the higher states in terms of alcohol related crashes. For example, in 2006 there were 1,544 alcohol related deaths in Texas (NY was 483). This accounted for 45% of all traffic deaths in the state of Texas (NY figure is about 33%, and as mentioned is in the lower third in the US). Texas also has consistently been among the top 2 states in total number of alcohol related traffic fatalities.

Bottom line is you are significantly less likely to die in an alcohol related traffic incident in NY than you are in Texas.

[dman72]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Western Europe is quite a bit more educated and culturally aware of what is going on in the world than our citizens. Their laws regarding DWI and posessing small amounts of drugs for personal use are much more effective and invoke so much more common sense than what our country has in place. That is fact.

....because they don't have a powerful religious right wing whose will often supersedes common sense. Putting people away for years for selling pot is absurd when I can go down to the liquor store and drink myself to death with impunity.

It is true about drunk driving in Europe. I've been out with people form Scandinavian countries, and they are shocked that I will even have one beer and consider driving home..I have to explain to them that I weigh almost 200 pounds and won't be driving for 2 hours, and therefore my blood alcohol level will be next to nothing, but it's just considered something you don't do there.

[LilTownBlues]

Originally Posted by LongIslandCitizen

where did you find those stats and were they comparable to New Yorks size and population?

Plenty of DWI/DUI stats out there..here's a couple

Drunk Driving Statistics

MADD

Texas DWI

Texas has a larger population, roughly 24 million in Texas to 19 million in NY. 26% larger population resulting in more than 2 times the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities.

BTW, I'm not picking on Texas here at all. I happen to like the state very much. Just pointing out some facts to keep perspective.

[dman72]

Originally Posted by LilTownBlues

Plenty of DWI/DUI stats out there..here's a couple

Drunk Driving Statistics

MADD

Texas DWI

Texas has a larger population, roughly 24 million in Texas to 19 million in NY. 26% larger population resulting in more than 2 times the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities.

BTW, I'm not picking on Texas here at all. I happen to like the state very much. Just pointing out some facts to keep perspective.

ScienceDirect - Accident Analysis & Prevention : Drinking and driving among high-risk young Mexican-American men

[LilTownBlues]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Keep in mind, geographically speaking, that Texas is 5.5 times as large as New York.

Absolutely, which also means that the NY population density is much greater.

[I_Love_LI_but]

Originally Posted by Peter B

I think that the most effective way to cut down on DWI issues is if somehow, potential drunk drivers are made aware of their BAC level BEFORE they get in the car. The earlier post I made mentioning the BAC machines in all drinking establishments up in Quebec would be a VERY effective deterrent. Mainly, because if someone is over the .08 limit and is made AWARE of that fact, I'd have to think that it would deter the majority from drinking then driving and opting for a taxi or eating something to help them sober up to a point where they can drive safely. Making someone aware of their BAC level cannot help but make them think of the consequences of their actions before they kill someone or ruin their lives with a DWI arrest. Personally, I have a small, handheld device in my car that I've had for years that I can blow and know my BAC level before a law enforcement officer has to tell me. But, like I mentioned earlier, I'd have to think that bar & restaurant owners would be against having a BAC machine in their establishment because it'll effect the bottom line to a small but certain extent. The presence of the machines should be mandated by law but I can't see it happening, at least in my lifetime.

This is a great idea! I think people would willingly use these machines and then they could realize, "Yes, I am drunk and I should not drive!"

[I_Love_LI_but]

If driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law, then why do bars have parking lots????

[djdairyp]

Originally Posted by LilTownBlues

Plenty of DWI/DUI stats out there..here's a couple

Drunk Driving Statistics

MADD

Texas DWI

Texas has a larger population, roughly 24 million in Texas to 19 million in NY. 26% larger population resulting in more than 2 times the number of alcohol related traffic fatalities.

BTW, I'm not picking on Texas here at all. I happen to like the state very much. Just pointing out some facts to keep perspective.

These statistics are surprising (from links above).
--------------Texas California Florida New York
total fatalities 3,466 4,229 3,363 1,454
alcohol related # 1,544 1,509 1,111 483
alcohol related % 45% 36% 33% 33%
Population(million) 24.3 36.8 18.3 19.5

Amazed at the relatively lower level of total fatalities in NY comparatively

[Crookhaven]

Im in favor of a Scarlet Letter Law.
Upon 2nd DWI first 3 Letters of the Morons plate will real DWI-### for 7 years.
That way we can spot a repeat offender on the highway and choose to avoid them (or choose not to get in the car with them).

I think it would serve as offense and defense.

Im not above public humiliation to save lives.
Remember driving is a privilege...not a right.

Think about that when your repeat offending drunken ass pulls up to a job interview etc etc etc with DWI on the bumper.

Crooks

[I_Love_LI_but]

Originally Posted by Crookhaven

Im in favor of a Scarlet Letter Law.
Upon 2nd DWI first 3 Letters of the Morons plate will real DWI-### for 7 years.
That way we can spot a repeat offender on the highway and choose to avoid them (or choose not to get in the car with them).

I think it would serve as offense and defense.

Im not above public humiliation to save lives.
Remember driving is a privilege...not a right.

Think about that when your repeat offending drunken ass pulls up to a job interview etc etc etc with DWI on the bumper.

Crooks

I like it! The only problem I can see is that typically dirtbags who are substance abusers don't register or own cars in their own name because they don't want to pay the high insurance that comes with their driving record. They get a wimpy relative or significant other who doesn't care who gets killed out there on the road to do it and enable them. Although the DWI demarcation could be put on the car USED when the DWI offender is caught for the 2nd DWI, regardless of who it is registered under.

Anyone who enables drunk drivers by letting them use their cars are also just as guilty of endangering the public.