For many people, Memorial Day welcomes the unofficial start of summer. Many people celebrate with vacations, barbeques and other parties. In some cases alcohol can be involved in the festivities. While summer is often a welcome change for people, drinking and driving is an easy mistake to make as people are focused on the fun and not their own blood alcohol content level.
In Oregon, it is illegal to drive with a BAC level over .08 percent. If a person's BAC level exceeds this amount and the person is caught driving, the individual can face significant penalties. Over the last seven years, there have been more than 500 arrests on drunk driving charges in Oregon over Memorial Day weekend. In 2013, there were 48 drunk driving arrests made over the holiday.
This year, Oregon state police were again on the roadways looking for drivers who were under the influence. Police claim they are trying to reduce the number of car accidents and fatalities caused by drunk driving. For those people who have been stopped on suspicion of DUI, it is important that they know their legal rights.
People should know that police have protocols that must be followed for all DUI arrests. First, police must have a reason to pull a car over. Second, police must follow specific rules when carrying out tests that measure a person's BAC level -- including a field sobriety test, a breath test or a blood test. If these rules are not followed, then the charges could be dropped. Without challenging police behavior during a traffic stop, people risk very serious consequences for DUI including loss of drivers' licenses, jail time, fines, ignition interlock devices and more.
Source: Tri-City Herald, "Oregon police focus on curbing Memorial Day impaired driving," May 21, 2014
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