For a variety of reasons, DUI background checks have become more common. For example, many employers now require employees and perspective employees to submit to a DUI background check as a condition of employment. Depending on the type of business involved, many insurance companies that issue commercial and business insurance require policy holders to establish DUI background checks as an underwriting criteria. The practice of DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs has rightly been recognized as a very serious public safety concern with all states lowering the blood alcohol standards used to determine the extent of a suspect's level of intoxication. Driving under the influence is a serious offense which can result in life-threatening and life-changing consequences for both drivers and the victims of alcohol-related vehicle accidents.
Some groups that advocate against driving under the influence contend that stricter enforcement of DUI statutes have had a significant impact on the incidence of alcohol-related driving fatalities. A report released by the Century Council State of Drunk Driving Fatalities in America and using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, revealed that the number of alcohol-related driving fatalities in 2009 nationwide was 10,839. This represents a significant reduction from 1982 when over 21,000 people were killed in alcohol-related vehicular incidents.
Over the last two decades, all U.S. states have lowered the blood alcohol level, BAC, used to determine legal intoxication from .10 to .08. This change in standards combined with stepped up enforcement and public awareness campaigns has resulted in a significant decline in the number of alcohol-related driving fatalities in the United States. Measuring blood alcohol content, BAC, is a well established law enforcement protocol. Despite attempts to standardize the process, the test results can be variable depending on the equipment, the training and experience of the test administrator and whether the test was conducted according to established protocols.
This material is meant only as a guideline. Always consult a qualified legal or insurance professional.