Many people in Minneapolis are aware that drinking and driving are a dangerous combination. That knowledge is not preventing some of them from receiving DUI charges. According to the Startribune.com, for every seven drivers on the road, one of them has a DUI on their record. Many of those drivers are women. The number of DUI-related arrests for women has increased throughout the years, while the number of male-related offenders has declined. Any woman who decides to drink socially and drive should learn how DUIs can affect her future.
Women process alcohol differently
Women have a smaller physical build than men. Their bodies do not handle the effects of alcohol the same way. They have less muscle mass and more fat which increases the rate of alcohol absorption into their bloodstreams. They become intoxicated faster than many men. These factors and more can lead to inaccurate breathalyzer readings and wrongful DUI charges for women. It is not uncommon for some women to have higher and lower tolerances than expected. Women who do not know how much alcohol they can consume before they start to experience its effects are more likely to get into their vehicles and drive.
Changing roles and awareness
The increase in women receiving DUI charges is the result of their changing roles in society. Women are no longer staying home to raise their families. They are working to support them. There are more female motorists on the roads. Many women are co-earners or the heads of their households. They have more responsibilities and activities outside of their homes where there are more opportunities for them to consume alcohol. Also, drinking is more socially acceptable for women today than it was in the past. Regardless of the reason, the occurrence of women being arrested and charged with DUIs is now a common occurrence.
Consequences of DUIs
The consequences of DUIs can linger on indefinitely. A DUI conviction carries severe penalties that can negate much of the progress that female drivers have made throughout the years. The penalties are much stiffer for women who have more than one DUI charge on their records. The risk of going to jail, losing employment and driver’s license, and paying more in auto insurance are not enough to deter some drunk drivers.
Being charged with a DUI is not a death sentence. With the right plan of action and legal assistance, it is possible to overcome the situation to minimize its impact on one’s life. Those who are dealing with the aftermath of a drunk driving incident should discuss their situation with an attorney to learn about their options.