Driving under the influence continues to remain a dangerous decision people make. Some may assume that decades of awareness campaigns would dramatically reduce DUI incidents. Recent statistics detailing arrests in southwest Florida show drunk driving continues to be a pervasive problem. Surprisingly, drunk driving cases in this region appear to be increasing.
Drunk driving incidents in southwest Florida
Arrest records detailing DUI incidents for the first six months of 2021 showed figures approaching those from all of 2020. For example, Fort Myers saw 241 arrests during that period in 2021, while all of 2020 saw 250 arrests. Granted, several factors contributed to fewer people taking to the road in 2020. Regardless, 2021’s DUI data may be cause for alarm.
In time, driving under the influence records will show whether 2022 saw fewer or increased DUI incidents. However, even if the arrests decrease by 10% or 20%, the numbers would still be frighteningly high.
Florida draws millions of tourists each year since the Sunshine State has a festive reputation. Both locals and visitors may indulge too much, affecting their judgment. Sometimes, poor judgment involves drinking and driving.
Facing charges for a DUI
Someone arrested for drunk driving may still present a credible DUI defense in court. Not everyone arrested for driving while intoxicated was under the influence. OTC medicine and even mouthwash could cause false Breathalyzer positives. And breathalyzers may suffer from defects, too.
Did the arresting officer perform the field sobriety test properly? If not, the results might be questionable. Also, the police must have probable cause to pull over a suspected drunk driver. Overzealous officers who perform a dubious police stop may lack the requisite reasonable suspicion that a crime was being committed, making any evidence procured potentially inadmissible.