In Ohio, anyone who is found to be driving under the influence may have their license suspended between six months to three years. However, an investigation into DUI offenses has found that about 60 percent of DUI convictions are made against repeat offenders.
Since 1980, more than 370,000 Ohio residents have received secondary OVI convictions; more than 8,000 had more than nine OVI convictions between 1980 and 2005.
Just days before ringing in the New Year, one Columbus man was charged with a felony after receiving his seventh OVI in a 20 year period. He was stopped on Dec. 27, 2014 around 3:45 a.m. luckily he did not cause a car crash.
Doug Scoles, the Ohio executive director of Mothers against Drunk Driving, is advocating for the use of ignition interlocks for first time offenders. In Ohio, ignition interlocks are only required after a third offense.
Nonetheless, drivers are still continuing to get behind the wheel despite the locks. More than 194,000 Ohioans had more than five OVI convictions between 1980 and 2005.
Despite the increased number of repeat offenders over the years, the number of DUI auto accidents in Ohio has continued to decrease over the years. Since 2011, drunk driving accidents have decreased by more than five percent.
At O’Connor, Acciani & Levy, our injury lawyers believe that repeat OVI offenders are putting other drivers in danger. Although the number of DUI accidents has decreased, it is still important that these drivers are held accountable for their negligence.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a drunk driving accident, we can help you get the justice you deserve.