Just a couple of months after anti-drunk driving advocacy organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving gave Arizona its highest rating for DUI enforcement, another reviewing agency says one its one of the worst states in the nation for driver safety laws.
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety claim that only South Dakota is worse than the Grand Canyon State when it comes to the number of state driving laws in effect, reports KTAR.com.
What could account for the extreme discrepancy?
One point of contention is the lack of booster seat, motorcycle helmet and texting-while-driving laws in the state. Although some cities like Phoenix have approved a ban on texting-while-driving, the state as a whole currently does not outlaw the practice.
"Unfortunately many of the safety laws that would reduce deaths and injuries are simply not considered an urgent priority by our elected leaders," Jacqueline Gillan, president of Advocates, told KTAR.
State officials, however, note that Arizona's DUI enforcement has received excellent reviews in the past, and Arizona has a reputation of having some of the strictest DUI laws in the nation. Alberto Gutier, Director for the Governor's Office Highway Safety, added that 23,000 DUI offenders were arrested in 2011.
"While they're complaining that we are deficient, we are also receiving five star ratings from other organizations," said Gutier. "So I'm not sure where they are coming from."
Regardless of whether Arizona is the most or least effective in enforcing road safety, it's not an excuse to drive recklessly when on the road. The consequences of a DUI are still extremely serious, and receiving a DUI conviction could harm your reputation, your work and your freedom. For more information on Arizona DUI laws, see our Related Resources section.
Related Resources:
- Find a Phoenix DUI Attorney (FindLaw)
- Report: AZ Has 2nd Worst Traffic-Safety Laws in Nation (TucsonSentinel.com)
- Arizona DUI Laws (FindLaw)
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