Every year, drunk driving leads to the loss of thousands of lives–and ruins many more. Summer is a hot time for drivers to get behind the wheel while under the influence, and the number of drunk driving crashes increases substantially around Labor Day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 531 people died in a Labor Day car crash in 2021.
In response to the higher incidence of drunk driving accidents during Labor Day, the NHTSA launched the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign. State troopers, highway patrol, and local police departments increase their presence on roadways, implementing strategic checkpoints throughout cities, counties, and rural areas to catch drivers who are driving under the influence. Here’s what to know before traveling on Labor Day weekend.
Table of Contents:
About the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
What Is the Legal Alcohol Limit in Missouri?
About Missouri’s Breathalyzer Laws
What Does BAC Stand For?
Measuring Blood Alcohol Level
A Simple Alcohol Percentage Calculator
What is a DUI
DUI vs DWI
Key Takeaways:
Drunk drivers kill thousands on the road every year. Labor Day weekend marks an increased risk for drunk driving. Expect to see more law enforcement on the roadways during this busy weekend. While drivers can refuse to submit to a breathalyzer at any checkpoint, this decision will result in a one-year license suspension.
About the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
Law enforcement across the country implement the Drive Sober campaign throughout the year, increasing their presence during the most dangerous times for drunk driving accidents. During the fall, the campaign runs from mid-August through early September, as Labor Day weekend poses an increased risk for drunk driving crashes (and fatalities).
Law enforcement also increase their presence with this campaign during the winter holidays. New Year’s celebrations and holiday parties correlate with an increased prevalence of driving under the influence. Some states or counties also launch the campaign during the Fourth of July.
What Is The Legal Alcohol Limit in Missouri?
A blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher denotes intoxication per state laws. This level correlates to administrative (points on the license, suspension, and/or revocation) and criminal laws. Minors (those under the age of 18) with a BAC of 0.02% are subjected to administrative and criminal consequences for driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Punishments–administrative and criminal–vary depending on the number of DWI incidents on an individual’s record or for failing to submit to testing (breath or blood).
About Missouri’s Breathalyzer Laws
Chemical revocation refers to losing driving privileges (driver’s license suspension) for refusing to submit to a breathalyzer test when stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence or while intoxicated. Refusing to submit to a test automatically results in a one-year license suspension.
What Does BAC Stand For?
BAC denotes “blood alcohol concentration,” which is the percentage of the blood comprised of alcohol. Drinking any amount of alcohol results in the body metabolizing the substance, and alcohol is released into the bloodstream (the liver is responsible for removing it from the blood).
In Missouri, legal intoxication correlates to a BAC of 0.08%. The Cleveland Clinic explains that this BAC impairs the individual’s reasoning and ability to detect dangerous situations, leading to less muscle coordination. Speech slurs at a BAC of 0.10%, while the telltale drunken signs of vomiting or nausea mean the level is around 0.15%.
Measuring Blood Alcohol Level
A blood test is the definitive test for an accurate BAC level. However, a breathalyzer test also provides law enforcement with an accurate estimate of the BAC. How does it work?
Breathalyzers are a bit more complicated than they appear. These instruments feature a chemical called potassium dichromate; when you breathe into the mouthpiece, the vapor from your breath is captured in a section of the instrument that includes the potassium dichromate.
Alcohol droplets react to the chemical, turning it green. The color saturation correlates with the BAC percentage. More alcohol vapor leads to darker green hues and a higher degree of intoxication. An absence of alcohol vapor means that the potassium dichromate remains orange, and no color change occurs.
A Simple Alcohol Percentage Calculator
How much can an individual drink before they are legally intoxicated? There is one very simple alcohol percentage calculator to answer this question quickly. ZERO! Assume that the safest number of drinks is ZERO.
Weight and other factors influence how the body metabolizes alcohol. Every individual is intoxicated at different points. Some people breathe “green” after one drink, while another might be safe after two. Always assume that one drop of alcohol is one drop too much.
Choose a designated driver for the night. Or call an Uber. There are so many safe alternatives. Never, ever drive after consuming alcohol.
What Is a DUI?
DUI refers to driving under the influence, which can infer alcohol intoxication or drug use. In Missouri, driving high also is illegal.
DUI vs. DWI
DUI and DWI are interchangeable in Missouri. DWI denotes driving while intoxicated. Missouri law tends to favor the term “DUI,” but DWI also may be used by law enforcement. Regardless of the acronym, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol or driving intoxicated is synonymous with losing driving privileges. Don’t drive drunk or high!
Arrive Alive and Drive Sober
Missouri law enforcement will be out in large numbers during Labor Day weekend. Expect DUI checkpoints, and never refuse to submit to a breathalyzer (unless you want a one-year revocation of your license). Thousands of individuals lose their lives to drunk drivers each year. Don’t get behind the wheel after a night of drinking; even one drop of alcohol could be one drop over the limit. Designate a sober driver, call an Uber, or just choose to barbecue and party at home. Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over!
Comments