Driving under the influence of alcohol and the havoc it creates on the road are becoming an accepted fact of life for many, In Florida, one of the most affluent states in the country, driving under the influence (DUI) is notorious, and every step is being taken to take control of this out-of-control, life-threatening situation.

A DUI conviction is established when a motorist is stopped and suspected of drunk driving. A blood alcohol level is usually given either by breath, urine or blood sample. If the presence of alcohol is 0.08% or more, the offender will face DUI charges. Refusal to take the tests when asked may result in a prompt arrest of the suspected offender.

The law promises a host of penalties for the offender, starting from a fine of $250, which may go up to $500 or more if it is a conviction for the first time. In the case of second timers, the penal provision is even harsher, starting from $500, going anywhere up to $1000. Fines keep rising with every conviction, and there could be accompanying jail terms that also increase with every repetition. In most cases, the offender has to engage himself in community services for a mandatory 50-hour. Once convicted, Florida law also states that the person has 10 days to request a hearing with the Florida Department of Highway Security and Motor Vehicles to plea for the right to keep his driver's license. Failure to do so may lead to confiscation of the license for six months or more. Details of such laws are available in the official website of FDHSMV.

The unchecked menace of DUI has social thinkers in Florida doubting that DUI laws and the implementation of them are working. They believe that laws alone are not sufficient, and that more needs to be done in the way of educating people about the legal and medical penalties and complications relating to alcohol and drunk driving. The overall erosion of family bonding and values in everyday life, lack of social stability and security, an overt display of affluence and arrogance by the rich and powerful have all played a part in the ever-growing problem of drunk driving. People need to know that alcohol and driving should never be mixed -- enjoy them separately!