Iowa Spring-Summer 2022 - 43

D
efinitions of an enjoyable night out differ-from
tame to wild, from a quiet gathering
at a friend's house to an energetic party
at a bar. But there's no argument that drunk driving
offers any rewards at all. Certainly, it offers no fun or
joy. In fact, most will agree that the risks are potentially
devastating, from loss of driving privileges to
death-of oneself or someone else, a friend or innocent
stranger.
The risks are high, but there are ways to avoid the
consequences of OWI-operating while intoxicated.
THIS 'BIG BROTHER' IS WATCHING OUT
FOR IOWANS
Not all big brothers are like George Orwell's
portrayal. While the author of 1984
depicted a government of intimidation
and self-interest, most real-life
big brothers want what's best for
their younger siblings. And as
much as fun-loving drinkers may
like to grumble about them,
Iowa's OWI laws really are for the
benefit of all.
Traffic safety programs are
designed to reduce death and injury on
Iowa's roadways, explains Brett A. Tjepkes, Bureau
Chief of the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau with
the Iowa Department of Public Safety. " In Iowa, the
number of alcohol-impaired traffic deaths have
steadily increased over the past 10 years, " he says.
" According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, in 2011 83 people lost their lives in
alcohol impaired crashes compared to 113 in 2020.
" We are working tirelessly to reverse this trend so
people can enjoy healthy, productive lives and enjoy
time with family and friends. "
LEGAL GUIDELINES REGARDING
OPERATING WHILE INTOXICATED
Iowa's OWI law states that it is unlawful to operate a
motor vehicle in Iowa:
* While under the influence of an alcoholic beverage
or other drug or a combination of such
substances.
* While having an alcohol concentration of .08 or
more.
* While having any amount of a controlled substance
in one's body.
Iowa's implied consent law means that any person
who operates a motor vehicle in the state agrees
to have a blood, breath and/or urine test performed
to determine alcohol level or presence of drugs,
whenever a peace officer has reasonable grounds to
believe the person is operating under the influence.
Best case scenarios?
Your license will be revoked, but you may be able
to apply for a temporary restricted license and
required to install an ignition interlock device. You
may need to pay a fine, take a course for drinking
drivers, undergo substance abuse evaluation and
treatment and spend time in jail. Penalties could last
anywhere from 180 days (first offense) to six years
(third offense). In addition, the vehicle you operated
could be seized.
Worst case scenarios?
You, a friend or family member, or a stranger is
severely injured (with repercussions that could last a
lifetime) or killed (ending a life). Legal penalties
increase in these situations. You may also need to
pay restitution to the victim and to public agencies
for emergency response. And the personal emotional
costs of causing such devastating harm
can remain with you forever.
HOW TO AVOID OWI
Two strategies help you
steer clear of drinking and
driving: 1) don't drink (too
much), and 2) don't drive!
Strategy #1 - Don't
drink (too much).
Certainly, avoiding
alcohol entirely is the safest
bet for avoiding OWI. But if you don't
like that option, follow these tips for minSPRING-SUMMER
2022 43
Iowa Spring-Summer 2022

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