Did you know there were over 6,000 DUI arrests in Illinois in 2021? Unfortunately, this means that a large number of people had their licenses suspended or revoked. To help combat this issue, Apple is developing a feature for the iPhone that would prevent people from driving while under the influence of alcohol.
This will help you prevent dealing with a drunk driving penalty and also avoid drunk driving consequences, such as harming another individual or yourself.
What Exactly Is Drunk Driving?
Drunk driving, also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI), is the act of operating a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs. It is illegal in all 50 states to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.
However, some states have lower BAC limits for commercial drivers and underage drivers. Drunk driving is extremely dangerous and puts both the driver and others on the road at risk.
How Will the Feature Work?
Apple has applied for a patent that would use the iPhone’s camera to detect when someone has been drinking. It will analyze things like hand tremors and how well the person is able to focus. If it determines that the person is intoxicated, it would then disable certain features of the phone, such as the ability to call or text.
A message would also be displayed on the screen, warning the user not to drive. Of course, there are some potential privacy concerns with this technology. It’s possible that it could be used to track someone’s alcohol consumption, even when they’re not using their phone.
However, Apple has said that the feature would only be activated when the user voluntarily decides to use it. If the iPhone detects that a person has been drinking, it would then display a message on the screen that says, “You should not drive now.” The phone would also provide the option to call a taxi or Uber.
How Accurate Would the Feature Be?
It’s still early days for the technology, so it’s difficult to say how accurate it would be.
However, Apple is confident that it would be able to detect intoxication with a high degree of accuracy. In fact, the company has even filed a patent for an “alcohol detection device” that could be built into future iPhones.
When Would the Feature Be Available?
There’s no word yet on when the feature might be available, as it’s still in the early stages of development. However, it’s possible that it could be included in a future software update for the iPhone.
Would This Feature Be Mandated?
It’s unlikely that the government would mandate this feature, as it would be a violation of privacy. However, it’s possible that states could require it for people who have been convicted of DUI in the past.
Keep in mind, though, that any such laws would have to go through many steps to be enacted.
What Are the Penalties For a DUI in Illinois?
The penalties for a DUI in Illinois depend on the situation.
For a first offense, you could face up to one year in jail and a fine of $2,500. If you have a previous conviction, the penalties become more severe.
You could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of $25,000. If you cause an accident that results in injury or death, you could be charged with a felony and face up to 14 years in prison.
What Should I Do if My License Is Revoked?
If your license is revoked, you’ll need to go through the process of getting it reinstated. This involves taking a written exam and road test, as well as completing an alcohol education program.
You may also be required to install an ignition interlock device in your vehicle. The exact circumstances will depend upon your situation, however.
Working with a repeatable attorney can help ensure that you take all the necessary steps to get your license reinstated.
What Should I Look For in a Legal Professional?
When you’re looking for a legal professional to help with your DUI case, it’s important to find someone who is experienced and knowledgeable. They should also be able to provide you with an estimate of the costs involved.
Otherwise, you may end up paying far more than you initially expected. As you might guess, it’s also essential to consider whether or not the attorney you interact with will be the one handling your case.
Sometimes, the attorney you consult with will delegate your case to somebody else at the firm. This could create a situation where you do not receive the level of service that you anticipated.
When searching for an attorney, be sure to take a look at their past reviews and see what previous clients have had to say. This will go a long way toward finding the best legal representative for your situation.
Drunk Driving Is Something That You Should Avoid at All Costs
Drunk driving comes with consequences that strongly outweigh any benefits that you might experience. Be sure that you keep this information in mind when moving forward.
Be sure to reach out to us today if you have any questions.
