DWI | DWI Blog

Archive for the ‘DWI’ Category

« Older Entries

Alcohol Abuse Is A Dangerous Obsession. Express Yourself

Posted on Sep 10, 2012

Alcohol Action New Zealand (AANZ) began with just a few individuals who recognized the harmful effects alcohol abuse and excessive consumption were having on their society. Having worked in addiction treatment they had front row seats to the life sapping drama that alcohol can unleash in people’s lives.

Societies across the world are increasingly falling prey to the ills of alcohol abuse and it is almost becoming an obsession. From enjoying a beer during a football game or a glass of wine with dinner, the trend has rapidly accelerated to incessant drinking. More and more youngsters are being exposed to alcohol without any regulation or oversight, and everywhere it is being marketed as something cool and fun.

There are people, however, who are spending endless hours and resources trying to educate the public and combat the evils that this habit is bringing with it. When alcohol becomes a way of life, when it becomes an escape, when it becomes an addition; then it takes over one’s life and a line has to be drawn somewhere. This is not just an individual’s problem, but one that affects multiple people around that individual and spreads its influence in society at large.

To make this information accessible to people and to ensure that they at least start thinking about this problem, AANZ has come up with a fantastic contest that encourages people to present their views about alcohol abuse. Almost everyone has been impacted in one way or the other by this issue and they are looking for a creative expression of that.

The options are endless. You can write a poem, paint a picture or make a video. You can rap about it, you can dance or you can simply point and shoot. The point is to express your opinion in an interesting manner to showcase the harmful effects of alcohol. Through this competition people will gain awareness about the cause and hopefully truly start to understand how their quality of life can be damaged by this addiction.

The cause is great and the prizes are even greater. Participate in the contest and spread the word. The more viewers like your entry, the higher your chances of grabbing the judge’s attention.

For details regarding the contest, check Alcohol Competition Win on Facebook. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions, and send in your entries latest by the 3rd of October, 2012.

Good luck and say NO to abuse!

What is the Difference Between Driving While Intoxicated & Driving Under the Influence?

Posted on Jun 20, 2012

Both DUI and DWI are terms associated with operating a vehicle while intoxicated. There isn’t much difference between them except the letters. While DUI stands for ‘driving under the influence’, DWI stands for ‘driving while intoxicated or impaired’. DWI laws are different in different states of the US; while some states use DWI, others use DUI.

Difference between DWI and DUI

In most states of the US, DUI or DWI are terms that are used interchangeably. But in Texas both refer to two different offenses. In both, a person is driving a motor vehicle in a public place under the influence of alcohol but the targets can be different in each type of offense.

The differences between DWI and DUI are as follows:

In states where both terms are used for separate offences, DWI stands for ‘driving while intoxicated of alcohol’ while DUI is ‘driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs’.
If you are convicted of a DWI, the officials should be able to prove that you operated a vehicle while drunk, or were in physical control of a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Moreover, they need to prove that your BAC was above the legal limit of 0.08 or more due to alcohol abuse.
The penalties and the punishment are slightly different for both DUI and DWI if you are arrested and proven guilty.
You can be charged for DUI if your BAC is below or between .08 and .10. DWI arrests happen if your BAC is above the normal or legal limit of .08 to .10.
As the states of the United States have established different drunk driving laws, the punishment are different for DWI and DUI. If you are arrested for either one of these, you should be aware of the laws associated with them in your state.
In Texas, DWI is considered to be a Class B misdemeanor and results in punishment of six months in the county jail and a fine of up to $2,000. However, a DUI is considered to be a Class C misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of a $500 fine and up to 40 hours of community service. However, in the state of Missouri, there is no DUI law but only DWI cases. In some states, DUI is associated with drug abuse and DWI is specific to only alcohol abuse.

Whatever the name, DWI or DUI are both criminal offenses that can lead to severe punishments and penalties. Are there different penalties for DUI and DWI in your state? Do let us know.

DUI, DWINo Comments »Driving Under the Influence driving while intoxicated

How a DWI Conviction Affects your Car Insurance

Posted on May 31, 2012

If you are involved in a DWI conviction, your car insurance rates are likely to increase multifold before you can drive again. Automobile insurance rates will increase by at least three percent. You will also have to consider the SR22 insurance.

SR22 Insurance Laws

If you are convicted for a DWI, you will be given an SR22 insurance policy which is considered to be a high-risk auto insurance policy. This policy is offered as a guarantee by insurance companies so that you are able to pay the basic mandatory liability insurance for a specific period. SR22 insurance will be offered to you for a period of 3 years after you are convicted for drunk driving. You should however conduct adequate research to get a good deal from insurance providers so that you do not end up paying very high interest rates.

The consequences of drunk driving are different in different states; however in all the states, if you are convicted for a DWI offense, your driving privileges will be suspended for about 30 days to a year, even if it is your first offense. To get your driving license and privileges back, you need to fill an SR22 form provided by the licensing agency. This will prove that you have motor vehicle liability insurance. According to SR-22 laws, the insurance company needs to inform the licensing agency, which is usually Department of Motor Vehicles, if the policy is canceled, terminated or lapsed.

DWI Conviction and Car Insurance

If you approach a car insurance agency to get an SR-22 form, you are considered to be a `high-risk’ car owner and driver because of which your insurance premium increases multifold. Depending on the state where you apply for car insurance your insurance rates will increase for at least three years if it is your first offense. The duration increases with subsequent DWI convictions.

Penalties are more severe for special cases like when:

Someone is injured,
A child is in the vehicle,
Your BAC is very high and exceeds the legal limit,
You are an underage driver.

In about 50 states, a BAC of .08 is considered to be the legal limit and if you have higher BAC, then you will be convicted. In about 40 states, penalties for a DUI conviction are doubled if you are tested to have very high BAC level (about.15 or .20).

In order to reinstate your driving license when your suspension is over, you should show that you have a car insurance policy. In most states, an SR22 proof of insurance form can verify that you are legally insured. To reinstate your license you should take the following steps with the insurance company:

Understand how your DWI can affect your insurance
Have a DWI car insurance plan
Fill an SR22 insurance form verifying you are insured
Submit the SR22 insurance form to your DMV

As they say, prevention is better than cure; to avoid increase in insurance premiums due to DWI conviction, simply avoid driving after you’ve had a couple of drinks.

Blood Alcohol Content, Car Insurance, DWINo Comments »BAC Car Insurance DWI conviction SR22 Insurance