| Driving under the influence of alcohol is considered an | | | | may also have their vehicles confiscated and license |
| offense irrespective of the country it is committed in. In | | | | suspended for an indefinite period. In most of the |
| the US stringent road-laws are enforced, and driving | | | | cases, the court orders mandatory community-service |
| under the influence (DUI) invites a very harsh | | | | that is usually a minimum of 50 hours. |
| punishment depending upon the nature and the degree | | | | The growing alcohol problem among Florida drivers, |
| of the offense. | | | | does pose a big headache for law-enforcing |
| Florida has one of the highest numbers of DUI arrests | | | | authorities. Florida police officers and the Division of |
| in the country. As a result, Florida roads among the | | | | Motor Vehicles are trying a marketing plan to drive |
| most unsafe particularly in Dade, Palm Beach, | | | | home the message that, "drinking and driving are two |
| Hillsborough, Pensacola, Pasco, Jacksonville and | | | | separate activities and should be enjoyed separately." |
| Broward, where the rich and famous live. | | | | Social scientists however, point out that DUI offenses |
| The State Police Department and the Motor Vehicle | | | | are not individual happenings on the road. The life style |
| authorities in Florida are trying to arrest the DUI | | | | of the rich and the famous, their growing indifference |
| situation by laying down stiff penalties starting at $250 | | | | to the lives and properties of others, the disintegration |
| up to $500 for first time offenders; $500 to $1000 for | | | | of family-bonding and lack of proper education are a |
| second time offenders; and a stiff fine and jail time for | | | | few contributing factors to this menace. A concerted |
| third or more time offenders. Depending upon the | | | | effort on everyone's part has to be made to get to |
| seriousness of the offense jail-terms vary, from a | | | | the bottom of the DUI problem and what can be done |
| minimum of 6 months to 30 years for driver's involved | | | | about it. |
| accidents and vehicular homicide. Accused DUI drivers | | | | |