According to a recent study, nearly one-third of all car accidents in the United States are caused by drivers who are under the influence of alcohol. Every year, hundreds of people are killed or injured in accidents caused by drunk drivers. These accidents often involve innocent bystanders who are caught in the crossfire. In addition to the human toll, these accidents also cause massive property damage and cost the state millions of dollars in lost productivity. To decrease the number of intoxicated drivers on the road, Congress has proposed new legislation requiring all automobiles to be equipped with advanced sobriety-testing technology.
Colorado has some of the strictest DUI laws in the country, but that has not stopped drunk drivers from wreaking havoc on the roads. Though Colorado educates the public about the dangers of drunk driving and provides resources for treatment and prevention, this is an ongoing issue.
New Legislation to Prevent Intoxicated Driving
As of 2026, all new vehicles must have monitoring systems to stop intoxicated drivers. This new requirement comes from Congress and is intended to help make our roads safer. These systems will be able to detect when a driver is intoxicated and will take steps to prevent them from operating the vehicle. This is a significant step forward in keeping our roads safe, and we are hopeful that it will lead to fewer accidents and fatalities.
The legislation doesn’t specify what type of technology will be required, only that it must “passively monitor the performance of a driver of a motor vehicle to accurately identify whether that driver may be impaired.”
While there are sure to be some bumps in the road as this new legislation is implemented, it is a step in the right direction toward keeping our streets safe and saving lives.
DUIs Can Be Prevented
Colorado has seen a large number of drunk driving fatalities in recent years, with 1,548 recorded between 2009 and 2018. In 2019, the state saw a rate of 3.9 DUI road fatalities per 100,000 drivers–meaning that drunk driving is still a significant problem.
Though Colorado has made efforts to teach citizens, people need to be educated about the dangers of driving while under the influence of alcohol. They need to understand that it is not only illegal but also hazardous. All drivers should be aware of their actions’ potential consequences, both for themselves and others.
Law enforcement has effectively caught and prosecuted people driving while under the influence which has made the roads safer and discouraged others from doing the same. However, there need to be more sobriety checkpoints, and police need to be more diligent in pulling over cars that they suspect may be driven by someone who is intoxicated. If more people are caught and punished for driving while under the influence, it will serve as a deterrent to others and help to reduce the number of DUIs that occur each year.
Hire a Lawyer if You Have a DUI
If you have been involved in a DUI accident, it is important to hire a qualified lawyer to represent you. A DUI accident lawyer will be familiar with the laws and procedures surrounding DUI cases and will be able to ensure that your rights are protected. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. can help you to navigate the complex legal system and will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive a fair outcome. If you have been involved in a DUI accident, do not hesitate to contact us today for an immediate consultation. Call (719) 475-2555.