In the state of Arkansas, a law enforcement officer can pull someone over on suspicion of DUI if he or she is engaged in any form of reckless behavior, including weaving and accelerating and decelerating erratically. According to the most recent information about drunk driving fatalities in Arkansas from MADD.org, 29% of all traffic deaths in the past year were attributed to drunk driving. Here is what you need to know about drunk driving collisions in Arkansas in 2016.
Arkansas Drunk Driving Laws
When drivers receive their licenses in Arkansas, they are also agreeing to abide by the state’s implied consent law. If you refuse to comply, you will automatically face a license suspension of 180 days. You are breaking the law if:
- You are under 21 and your BAC (blood alcohol content) level is .02% or higher
- You are 21 or older and your BAC level is .08% or higher
- You are a commercial driver and your BAC level is .04% or higher
Upon conviction, individuals may face penalties including a fine of up to $1,000, DUI classes, up to a year in jail, community services, and a license suspension of six months for their first offense. If you are convicted of drunk driving four or more times in a five year period, the state will elevate the conviction from a misdemeanor to a felony. The state does issue restricted licenses under some circumstances, allowing drivers to resume driving as long as they drive an ignition interlock-enabled vehicle.
Alcohol is only one type of intoxication that drivers should consider when evaluating drunk driving laws. Taking prescription medications, illegal drugs, or any combination of chemistry-altering substances all contribute to a drunk driving charge.
The Facts About DUI in Arkansas
According to the latest CDC statistics on drunk driving, Arkansas has a higher rate of deaths related to drunk driving compared to the national averages. People in the adult age group from 21-34 are more likely to die in an alcohol-related accident, and men are more likely to die than women at both a national and a local level. Compared with other states, Arkansas is in the middle of the pack in terms of DUI laws and penalties.
The facts listed on MADD.org indicate that the state has enjoyed a 27% decrease in drunk driving-related fatalities since our state began requiring ignition interlocks for repeat offenders. However, these statistics do not include the most recent information for our state, and can only provide a general concept regarding trends in our state today. Drunk driving continues to account for serious accidents and deaths on an almost daily basis, and the issue deserves our close attention. Every personal injury case involving drunk driving highlights the need for more education and awareness.
How to Stay Safe on the Roadways
Driving after drinking is a risk—period. Today, we have so many excellent alternatives to getting behind the wheel. If you have any concern about your BAC level, call a rideshare service or cab, or ask a sober friend to pick you up.
If you have not been drinking, you run the risk of being involved in a drunk driving accident. During peak drinking times (at night, during major holidays and sporting events, etc.) use extreme caution in traffic. Move out of the way of erratic drivers, and report unsafe driving behaviors to emergency services.
Some auto accidents, unfortunately, are unavoidable even if you are cautious. If you or a loved one face a drunk driving incident, reach out for help with a victim support group such as MADD, and ask a Little Rock, AR personal injury attorney about your legal options. At the Law Office of Thomas G. Buchanan, we are available to help those who suffer after serious drunk driving accidents. Contact us today!