NC makes Strides with DWI Prosecution: Breathalyzers Play Bigger Role

In the past 10 years, drunken driving arrests in North Carolina have dropped nearly 22 percent.

Yet, more than 50,000 drivers in the state were charged with driving while impaired in 2005.

A new law that incorporates suggestions by a statewide task force is expected to curb those numbers even more.

Gov. Mike Easley signed a bill into law this week in which drunken drivers could face more convictions and stiffer penalties.

Breathalyzer evidence and expert witnesses now play a bigger role in DWI trials than ever before, and if prosecutors dismiss a case, they will have to detail in writing their reasoning for the public to view.

The new law also creates felony crimes for impaired drivers who cause injury in an accident, and even people riding bicycles and lawn mowers could face DWI charges if caught on their "vehicles."

Despite the recent success in curbing impaired driving in North Carolina, too many people are driving drunk. And too many people are dying because of it.

In 2005, 169 people were killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents on state roadways.

Consuming alcohol is a big part of our social setting, and we must be responsible enough to shy away from drinking and driving.

But for those who choose to drive after a few beers, shots or glasses of wine, the new measures in place will hold them responsible for their actions.

And because lawmakers listened to experts in law enforcement, health, safety and other fields that made up Easley's task force, the measures should be a strong deterrent in dropping the DWI numbers even more over the next decade — and beyond.

Thursday, August 24, 2006

(Source: Rocky Mount Telegram)