Drunk Driving Statistics for Michigan
Mothers Against Drunk Driving provides:
- Drunk driving fatalities: In 2015 there were 215 fatalities[1] caused by drunk driving accidents in the state of Michigan, representing nearly 24% of all total traffic deaths.
- Alcohol-related crashes: There were 8,892 alcohol-related Michigan crashes in 2015 causing 4,633 injuries.
Michigan Habitual Offenders
In the state of Michigan, if you have any of the following combination of drunk or drugged driving convictions, the law indicates that you are a Habitual Offender:
- Two or more convictions within 7 years
- Three or more convictions within 10 years.
The Secretary of State is required to revoke the driver license of a Habitual Offender and deny his or her application for another license. After the minimum period of revocation/denial, a Habitual Offender may be eligible for a driver license appeal hearing. If a restricted license is ordered, the hearing officer must require that the Habitual Offender install a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device[2] [BAIID] on any vehicle he or she owns or intends to operate. The person cannot drive until the BAIID is properly installed and proof of installation is presented to a local Secretary of State branch office.
How Does the Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device Work?
A BAIID is a breath alcohol analyzer, with computer logic and an internal memory. It connects with a motor vehicle's ignition and other control systems. The BAIID measures the driver's bodily alcohol content [BAC], and keeps the vehicle from starting if the BAC is .025 or higher. The device will also ask for random retests while the person is driving.
If the BAIID records 3 start-up test failures in a monitoring period, or 1 rolling retest failure, or if it detects tampering, the vehicle must be taken to a service center immediately. If that service is not done, the BAIID will go into a "lock-out" mode, and the vehicle cannot be operated.
Contact a Michigan Drunk Driving Accident Lawyer
Michigan drivers should never get behind the wheel impaired as a result of consuming alcohol. If you have consumed any amount of alcohol, it is important not to drive a motor vehicle until the effects of the alcohol are gone. If you are involved in an automobile accident that included an impaired driver, it is critical to speak to a Michigan automobile accident attorney. Call the Michigan Injury Lawyers at 313-GET-HELP today for a free consultation.
References:
[1] http://www.madd.org/drunk-driving/state-stats/Michigan.html
[2] http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,4670,7-127-1627_8665_9070-21501--,00.html