Should DUI Sentences Result In Longer License Suspensions?

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A discussion has existed in modern law for some time now as to whether or not DUI offenses should carry sentences involving longer license suspensions. This talk between law-makers, law enforcers, and the judicial system and even ordinary citizens could possibly impact the America we know in drastic forms if they fail to encourage individuals to be more responsible with their vehicular behavior and more aware of their social impact as drivers.

For many, when posed the question of whether or not longer license suspensions for DUI charges should be imposed, the easy and possibly even reflexive or emphatic answer is "yes." Technically, perhaps even ideally, a longer suspension would result in a driver spending more time reflecting on their actions. A more judgemental attitude might offer that the driver who had been under the influence would be off the road for a longer period of time resulting in the 'road' being safer. Now, either way you examine the issue, the driver with the DUI remains out from behind the wheel. This leads them down one of several, or many paths. The individual may compensate by picking up a new mode of travel, perhaps a bicycle or by walking to their work or school or wherever they need to be. In addition, they may make further use of public transportation by means of either bus, train, or taxi cab, depending on their city demographic and overall, assisting in their city's economic growth.

Other citizens would be loathe to agree, possibly those with experience in license suspension due to driving under the influence. They would know better than most that a suspension of a license can make working a difficult prospect as in many areas of the country American workers do not work within walking distance of their homes. Or even within the range of a bicycle for that matter. And often, public transportation can be difficult to arrange a schedule around especially for say, second and third shift workers. And the usage of taxis tends to be exorbitantly expensive. The only hope some individuals possess after having their license suspended is the good will of a neighbor or coworker, or perhaps the ability to rely on a partner or spouse. Do not discount other necessities, food and household amenities are typically not around the next block for non-urban dwelling Americans--trips to grocery stores must be made, toilet paper and soap and shampoos must be bought and these things are not always easily accessible for someone who's lost their driving priviledge due to a DUI.

Happy mediums do exist between these two maxims though. DUI offenders, instead of merely having their license suspended can submit to ignition interlock devices being installed in their cars in order to prevent them from driving with under the influence of alcohol. Ignition interlock devices do have proven faults though; an intoxicated driver can simply allow a sober cohort to activate the device and, more to the point, these devices only stop individuals who have been drinking from driving. Numerous driving under the influence charges are termed 'while intoxicated' as the violators are not drunk but abusing medications or worse, narcotics. Counseling and reform programs tend to be fairly widespread but they do not actually deter people from driving under the influence so much as encourage them not to.

While the system for sentencing DUI offenses currently in place cannot be deemed perfect, the question of lengthier license suspensions is not one that can be answered by mere speculation and hypothesis; actual testing and research would be needed for a definitive and useful answer.

 

 

 

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