DWI With a Passenger Under 15: 5,000 Kids Endanger Every Year

DWI With a Passenger Under 15 Is: A Major Problem

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a serious problem in the United States. In 2020, there were over 13,000 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in the US. Of those fatalities, over 5,000 involved drivers who had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher.

DWI with a passenger under 15 is an even more serious problem. In 2020, there were over 2,500 DWI arrests in the US involving drivers who had a passenger under the age of 15. Of those arrests, over 1,000 involved drivers who had a BAC of .08 or higher.

DWI with a passenger under 15 is a major problem for several reasons. First, it puts the child at risk of injury or death. Children are more vulnerable to injury in car crashes than adults, and they are more likely to be killed in a crash involving a drunk driver.

Second, DWI with a passenger under 15 is a crime. In most states, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. If you are caught driving drunk with a child in the car, you will face serious criminal penalties.

Third, DWI with a passenger under 15 can have a lasting impact on the child. Children who are exposed to drunk driving are more likely to develop problems with alcohol and drug abuse later in life. They are also more likely to be involved in car crashes as teenagers and adults.

What Are the Penalties for DWI With a Passenger Under 15?

The penalties for DWI with a passenger under 15 vary from state to state. However, in most states, you will face the following penalties if you are convicted of DWI with a child in the car:

• Jail time
• Fines
• Driver's license suspension
• Ignition interlock device installation
• Community service

What Can You Do to Prevent DWI With a Passenger Under 15?

There are several things you can do to prevent DWI with a passenger under 15:

• Never drink and drive. If you are going to be drinking, make arrangements for a sober driver to get you home.
• Be aware of the laws in your state. In most states, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher.
• If you see someone driving drunk, report it to the police. You can help save a life by reporting drunk drivers.

Conclusion

DWI with a passenger under 15 is a serious problem. It puts children at risk of injury or death, and it is a crime. If you are convicted of DWI with a child in the car, you will face serious criminal penalties.

There are several things you can do to prevent DWI with a passenger under 15. Never drink and drive, be aware of the laws in your state, and report drunk drivers to the police.

By taking these steps, you can help keep our roads safe for everyone.

Additional Resources

• [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)] (https://www.nhtsa.gov/)
• [Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)] (https://www.madd.org/)
• [National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD)] (https://www.ncadd.org/)