South Dakota has an effective way to reducing drunk driving. It’s the 24/7 sobriety program.

The problem of drunk driving had been great. Over one in five residents admitted to driving while intoxicated. And three of every four (75%) fatal crashes involved someone with a BAC of at least 0.15.South Dakota has an approach to reducing drunk driving. It’s the 24/7 sobriety program.

How the Program Works

The 24/7 sobriety program is simple. Drivers convicted of a DUI (driving under the influence) have their BAC tested. It’s tested twice a day, seven days a week. They can have the testing done at a testing center.  Or they can wear  a device that monitors their BAC.

Failure to appear for the test or having an unacceptable BAC and the offender goes right to jail.

The program is both simple and highly effective. South Dakota soon became a leader in reducing alcohol-related traffic deaths. Shortly after the program began, the state had a one-third (33%) drop in alcohol-related traffic fatalities. That was the highest such drop in the entire country. It has dropped another 25% since then.

The success of the 24/7 sobriety program has not gone un-noticed. North Dakota and Montana have adopted the system. Other states are studying also doing so.

Offenders pay most of the 24/7 sobriety program costs in South Dakota. But the costs for indigents who qualify come from taxpayers.

These programs have many advantages. The most important is effectiveness. And the program  is supported by convicted offenders. It doesn’t impose a financial  burden or tax increase on innocent residents. It also avoids some of the many problems caused in the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDs). IIDs prevent an engine from starting if the driver has alcohol on the breath.

Other Advantages

But some advantages may not be so obvious. Just like DWI/DUI Courts, the 24/7 programs address the root cause of the drunk driving problem. That is, alcohol abuse. The programs may help problem drinkers either quit drinking or cut down. This might improve the quality of life of the offenders and their families. And it might also reduce burdens on the criminal justice, mental health, and medical systems.

Like DWI/DUI courts, 24/7 sobriety programs might make a major contribution to reducing drunk driving. And also the tragedies it can cause innocent people.

24/7 Sobriety Program

Resources

Web

• • How Can I Sober Up Fast?
  • DWI/DUI Courts Effective.
  • DUI Courts Effective in Reducing Recidivism.
  • DWI Courts are Effective in Reducing DWI/DUI.
  • How Long Does Alcohol Stay in Your Body?
  • How Long Can Urine Tests Detect Drinking?
  • Drinking & Driving.
  • Inaccurate Breath Testers a Danger.

Source

Cameron, D. 24/7 Sober Programs. Ind Bev J, 71(11), 4-5.