California Bill Introduced to Curb Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and Marijuana
California State Senator Jerry Hill is on a mission to increase awareness of drunk driving in California and implement stiffer penalties on those caught driving under the influence. To that end, he recently introduced several bills to curb dangerous driving behaviors.
A New Proposed DUI Law
Senate Bill 698 was introduced as a prevention measure against combining the use of marijuana and alcohol while driving. This particular bill addresses the increasingly problematic issue of drivers combining drugs and alcohol before getting behind the wheel.
According to the bill, if a driver tests positive for a THC level of 5 nanograms per milliliter of blood or more and also has a BAC between .04 and .07, he or she will be subject to serious consequences. For those found guilty of this offense, this bill would impose a requirement to enroll in a drug and alcohol treatment program, and after 2019, also require the installation of an ignition interlock device in their vehicle.
Harsher Penalties
Drivers who combine the use of drugs and alcohol now kill more people than those who are only under the influence of alcohol while behind the wheel. In the face of this startling reality, there is a stronger push for harsher penalties for driving under the influence of any type of drug or alcohol. There is no question that marijuana impairs the ability of an average person to drive in a safe and responsible manner, and what exacerbates this problem further is the combination of both marijuana and alcohol.
Safer Options are Available
Driving is never a good idea after consuming alcohol, marijuana, or a combination of the two. With the amount of ride-sharing apps, taxis, and other transportation services, there are plenty of options available to arrive home safely without endangering anyone in the process. The cost of a ride is a small price to pay for safety. And if the safety of yourself and others isn’t enough of an incentive, consider this: the cost of a ride home is exponentially cheaper than court fines, insurance increases, classes and legal fees resultant from a DUI. Making a responsible decision right out of the gate and never getting behind the wheel after consuming any amount of drugs or alcohol is the best decision of all.
Too Late, Already Caught?
If you have found yourself in a situation where you require an SR22 certificate due to being charged with a DUI, contact Breathe Easy Insurance to get a free quote. We can walk you through the process and even provide DUI program and ignition interlock device referrals. Call us at 866.822.7755.