When it comes to drinking and driving, men, more than women, are guilty of committing this offense. In fact, an OVI attorney in Cincinnati Ohio is more likely to find the client is a male rather than a female. Yet, current statistics are beginning to suggest more women are being arrested for drunken driving. This is particularly true for the state of Ohio.
Statistics on Women and Drunk Driving Arrests
While statistics of fatalities from driving while drinking continue to go down, actual arrests for driving under the influence (DUI), driving while impaired (DWI) or, as is the legal term in Ohio, operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) have increased. This may be the result of a national and societal crackdown on what was considered the norm – driving with a “few drinks” under your belt.
Indeed society’s current outlook on OVI has adopted a zero tolerance policy for those who drink and drive. Yet, as the statistics from 2007 indicate, while the overall trend of OVI arrests for men from the period 1998 to 2007 indicates a decrease, those for women note an increase. In fact, while the rate for men has gone down 7.5 percent during this period, it has gone up by 28.8 for women. Consider this – in 1998, the police agencies arrested more than 126,000 women on a DUI/OVI. In 2007, this number had jumped to 162,493.
On a more serious note, according to transportation officials, females involved in OVI fatal crashes during 2007 to 2008 has increased in number for 10 states. These are:
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- Ohio
- Tennessee
- Washington state
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
As a result, more women are becoming familiar with the legal system in Ohio and other states. An OVI attorney in Cincinnati Ohio is no longer surprised when his or her client base begins to reflect the current increase in females arrested for DUIs.
Why the Trend?
Currently, no single justification clarifies the reason or reasons for this trend. A simple explanation is the increase in the role of females as breadwinners for the family unit. This will produce increased stress and may result in drinking. At the college level, the attendance of more women, particularly in non-traditional fields, may also produce an increased in drinking – particularly binge drinking.
Another explanation lies in the numbers. Women are taking to the road in greater numbers than they have in previous decades. Even 30 years ago, women on the road were not in numbers as large as the numbers of men were. This may, like other reasons, be a small part of a larger explanation of or contributing factor to DUIs. It does give an OVI attorney in Cincinnati Ohio something to consider when faced with the issue.
Others refer to the physical make-up of women. The scientific approach is to state the smaller body mass and the increased amount of water within the physical form could contribute to getting drunk more easily and with greater rapidity than a male can. This is what some in the law profession, perhaps a skilled OVI attorney, may utilize as a defense.
Whether you are a female or a male, when it comes to dealing with a DUI charge, you are best not to go it alone. It is always best to consult a professional. Hire an experienced OVI attorney. In Cincinnati Ohio, you can consult an expert in the field. He or she will then work with you to reduce or even dismiss the charges.
If you are facing a legal case concerning a DUI, contact an OVI Attorney in Cincinnati Ohio at the Farrish Law Firm. We know how to handle your problem effectively and skillfully. We put our knowledge and skills at your service making the law to work for you. If you want to learn more about our services, go online
