September 4, 2001 - New Arizona Law Makes It Easier To Nab Drunken Drivers

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On Saturday, September 1, 2001 Arizona lowered its DUI alcohol blood level requirements. Over the Labor Day weekend, the new level for presumed alcohol impairment dropped from 0.10 to 0.08, making it easier to be convicted of a DUI, a felony offense in the state.

Sgt. Ed Slechta, spokesman for the Department of Public Safety, who has arrested about 1,500 people for drunken driving since he became a Highway Patrol Officer in 1965, is a president of the DUI Task Force. He said that while officers applaud the new law, most of the 101 adults arrested by the team over the Labor Day weekend had an alcohol level of about 0.187.

In all, 1,203 motorists were stopped over the weekend. 12 drivers under 21 were arrested for drunk driving. "Friday, traffic couldn't have had a mouse out there without getting squashed," Slechta said. However, most people did not measure at 0.08 or 0.09. Slechta said officers are trying to prove one thing to the public: "Vehicles and alcohol don't mix. They mix, but in collisions. That's the wrong mix out there."

In all automobile accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question, and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries. If you or a loved one is a victim of an automobile accident involving a drunk driver, call now at or CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A SIMPLE CASE FORM. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to accept your case, we will work on a contingent fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary award or recovery of funds. Don't delay! You may have a valid claim and be entitled to compensation for your injuries, but a lawsuit must be filed before the statute of limitations expires.