Designated Drivers May Not Always Be Sober

Missouri drivers may be interested to learn that, according to a new study, many designated drivers are not always driving while sober. The results of the study indicated that 41 percent of the self-identified designated drivers had been drinking before leaving to drive their group to their destination. As with any individual who makes the decision to drink and drive, designated drivers will face DWI penalties if they are caught on the road.

For the study, researchers from the University of Florida administered breathalyzer tests to more than 1,000 people as they left local bars in the late night and early morning hours. Of these, 150 identified themselves as being the designated drivers for their group. Of the 41 percent that had been found to be drinking, approximately 20 percent of these designated drivers had a high enough blood alcohol level to impair their driving.

The representative for Mothers Against Drunk Driving Missouri believes that designated drivers should not drink before driving, with no excuses. He argues that there needs to be more education to get designated drivers to stop drinking.

Designated drivers who drive while under the influence of alcohol may face severe consequences. Not only are they responsible for themselves, but they may also be held responsible for their passengers if anyone is injured or killed due to the actions of the driver. The driver may face a jail sentence, a suspension of their license and even hefty fines as a result of their poor decisions.

An experienced St. Louis DUI or DWI attorney may be able to help their client reduce or dismiss the charges by finding fault with the traffic stop or vehicle search. The attorney may also be able to challenge any breathalyzer tests or field sobriety tests if they were properly administered.