Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered an offense irrespective of the country it is committed in. In the US stringent road-laws are enforced, and driving under the influence (DUI) invites a very harsh punishment depending upon the nature and the degree of the offense. Florida has one of the highest numbers of DUI arrests in the country. As a result, Florida roads among the most unsafe particularly in Dade, Palm Beach, Hillsborough, Pensacola, Pasco, Jacksonville and Broward, where the rich and famous live. The State Police Department and the Motor Vehicle authorities in Florida are trying to arrest the DUI situation by laying down stiff penalties starting at $250 up to $500 for first time offenders; $500 to $1000 for second time offenders; and a stiff fine and jail time for third or more time offenders. Depending upon the seriousness of the offense jail-terms vary, from a minimum of 6 months to 30 years for driver's involved accidents and vehicular homicide. Accused DUI drivers may also have their vehicles confiscated and license suspended for an indefinite period. In most of the cases, the court orders mandatory community-service that is usually a minimum of 50 hours. The growing alcohol problem among Florida drivers, does pose a big headache for law-enforcing authorities. Florida police officers and the Division of Motor Vehicles are trying a marketing plan to drive home the message that, "drinking and driving are two separate activities and should be enjoyed separately." Social scientists however, point out that DUI offenses are not individual happenings on the road. The life style of the rich and the famous, their growing indifference to the lives and properties of others, the disintegration of family-bonding and lack of proper education are a few contributing factors to this menace. A concerted effort on everyone's part has to be made to get to the bottom of the DUI problem and what can be done about it. |
