Posts Tagged ‘California’

Drunk driving has long been a major thorn in the side of policy makers. Billions of dollars are spent each year to implement policies and strategies that realize a reduction in road fatalities because of drunk driving. Increased fines, introduction of prison terms, suspension and cancelation of driver’s license are only some of these strategies.

Statistics show that of the 275,000 road fatalities in the USA each year, at least 18,000 of that number are from are directly related to DWI. As a result, there is an unfortunate but alarming fatality rate due to DWI of one DWI related death in every thirty-nine minutes. To be charged with a DWI offence, the driver’s blood alcohol content (BAC) must be over 0.08. Some states have lower levels of 0.07 especially for young drivers who lack the necessary experience required to navigate difficult circumstances.

States with Highest DWI Cases

Different states have different levels of DWI cases for several. Some of these are because of natural causes while others are man-made.


California: Each year there are over 200,000 DWI related accidents in California. Of this amount, almost 4000 result in fatalities. This high amount of DWI related charges are due to a number of reasons. First, to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road, the Department of transport of the state of California has stipulated that individuals under the age of twenty-one are not allowed to drive with a BAC level above 0.01 to 0.5. Breaches result in revocation of license and mandatory drunk driver visitation programs. In addition, drivers are not allowed to drive while having an open alcoholic beverage in their possession.


From a cultural standpoint, Californians are known to have a wild side. The lifestyle of the many rich and the famous does little to quell the high rates of DWI cases in California. These individuals sometimes display a carefree attitude and consume high volumes of alcohol that results in them being charged for DWI.

Alaska: Weather is a major contributing factor to the high rates of Alaska’s high rate of DWI charges and road fatalities. Alaska has one of the longest winters and like countries such as Russia, the population consumes high volumes of alcohol in order to keep their internals warm. Couples the high level of alcohol consumption with icy roads and you have an accident just waiting to happen. To stem the tide of DWI, the Alaska Road Safety Department has stepped up the drive to control the high volumes of road fatalities. They have increased fines, spot checks, prison time and termination of driving license.


Texas: Texas is another state with high DWI cases and road fatalities. The number of DWI cases is influenced by the stringent laws implemented by the state to curb accidents related to DWIs. According to Texas DWI Law, an individual who is above the age of 21 is declared drunk once their BAC level is above 0.08. For individuals below 21, any traces of alcohol regardless of how small will result in one being charged with DWI. Hence, with increased patrols the number of reported cases seems high. In addition, they also charge drinking establishments under the Dram Act that holds these sellers responsible for allowing a drinker to drink until they are a danger to themselves and others.

In terms of statistics, the US has the highest legal drinking age throughout the world. In US, legal drinking age is set on the basis of the National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984. According to this act, it is the responsibility of states to enforce a minimum legal drinking age of 21 years. States that do not follow such patterns may lose more than ten percent of their federal funding for highway apportionment.

Ohio

The legal drinking age in Ohio is 21 years. If you break the law in this regard, you can face a sentence of six months in jail with a fine of $1,000. At Ohio, you cannot give alcohol to anyone that is below the age of 21 years. This is applicable even if you are in your own house and parents have given approval.

Alabama

Similar to Ohio, no one below the age of 21 is allowed to indulge in buying and consumption of alcohol in Alabama.

Alaska

If you are below the age of 21 then you cannot consume alcohol in Alaska without the permission of your parents. However, people below the age of 21 are not allowed to drink in bars, restaurants and liquor stores.

Arizona

Individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to buy alcohol in Arizona. Although in the case of a ceremony or religious service, you can consume alcohol.

Arkansas

Individuals under the age of 21 are not allowed to buy or consume alcohol in Arkansas. If you are under the age of 21, you cannot drive any motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of .02

California

According to California laws, no one below the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol. You will not be able to drive a motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration of .01 or more.

Colorado

If your age is less than 21, you cannot consume alcohol in Colorado unless your parent has given you approval to drink. But you can only do this on private property under the supervision of your parent.

Delaware

No one under the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol in Delaware.

Florida

No one under the age of 21 is allowed to consume alcohol in the Florida. But interestingly you are given a freedom to taste alcoholic beverage if it is required of a class in a college. But to do this, you need to be more than 18 years old.

Georgia

In the state of Georgia, you cannot consume alcohol if you are less than 21 year of age. Only exception to this rule is when your parent has given you permission to drink.

Wyoming

In the state of Wyoming, you cannot buy or consume alcohol if you happen to be less than 21 years of age. DUI laws in Wyoming are quite strict.

Washington

According to Washington laws, anyone below the age of 21 is not allowed to buy and consume alcohol. You are not allowed to drive motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of .02 or more. If your age is more than 21, you cannot drive motor vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration level of .08 or more.

Texas

Anyone below the age of 21 is not allowed to buy, posses, or consume alcohol in the state of Texas. However, minors can consume alcohol under the supervision of their parents or guardian. You will not be able to drive a motor vehicle if there are any traceable amounts of alcohol found in your blood stream.

Tennessee

Legally, you are not allowed to buy or transport alcohol in the state of Tennessee if you happen to be under the age of 21.