Articles Posted in Drunk Driving Victims

There’s no question about it — Americans know it’s dangerous to drive under the influence of alcohol. As a matter of fact, 97 percent of Americans agree. And 75 percent of Americans say that the country needs tougher and more severe penalties to fight the risks of intoxicated drivers.

With that being said, how is it that someone is killed in the U.S. in an alcohol-related traffic accident every 30 minutes and someone is injured every 2 minutes? According to the National Safety Council (NSC), national and state organizations are rallying around several specific and effective strategies, and targeting certain populations of drivers, to improve safety for innocent motorists.

Our drunk driving accident lawyers understand that there were close to 34,000 DUI convictions in Florida in 2011. There were also more than 700 people killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents in the Sunshine State that year, according to The Century Council. When it’s all tallied up, close to 30 percent of all traffic fatalities recorded in the state in 2011 were the result of alcohol-related accidents.
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Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reports the number of teens who are consuming alcohol is on the decline. A new survey indicates that more than 75 percent of teenagers do not drink alcohol. But how true are these results?

Do we really expect underage high school students to openly admit to consuming alcohol? It’s illegal after all. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 1,000 16- to 20-year-olds who were involved in fatal drunk driving car accidents in the U.S. in 2011. That’s a lot if “75 percent” of teenagers aren’t drinking alcohol.

Our Fort Myers drunk driving injury lawyers understand that the state of Florida saw close to 1,000 alcohol-related car accident fatalities in 2011. Don’t let improving statistics lull you and your family into a false sense of security. Our teens are out there and too many are consuming alcohol. The fact is that a large number of teens are killed in drunk driving car accidents each and every year.
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We all know that drinking and driving can have deadly consequences. But there are still millions who do it each and every year. For the ones who escape death — there are some other serious (and costly) consequences.

According to MSN Money, a drunk driving conviction can wind up costing you thousands of dollars, including higher insurance rates, attorney fees and court fees and fines.

Our Fort Myers drunk driving accident lawyers understand that a DUI conviction can easily cost someone $15,000. Are you willing to risk it?

But where do the costs come from?

Initial costs and fines:

Right when you’re arrested, you’re going to have to worry about posting bail. This can be a few thousand dollars. Although this money can be returned when you appear in court when scheduled, there’s no guarantee. You’re also going to have to pay to get your car from impound. That costs a couple hundred dollars, too.

When you’re convicted, you’re going to be fined again. This fine will be at least another couple hundred dollars. And don’t forget to add in the court costs.

DUI courses:

With a DUI, you’re going to be required to take a class regarding the dangers of drunk driving. That’s going to cost you, too. In the state of Florida, a 12-hour course can run you about $250.

Driver’s license fees:

When you get busted, officers are going to suspend your driver’s license. Oftentimes this is for at least a year. When you’re able to get it back, you’re going to hand over a restoration fee.

Lawyer costs:

This is a cost that can vary by the firm’s experience, location and severity of the case. According to MSN Money, lawyers can run anywhere from $250 to $25,000. An average in South Florida for a typical DUI is $3,000 to $5,000.

Insurance hikes:

A DUI is going to spike your insurance rates by at least 20 percent, according to Insurance.com. But this is an increase that can vary, depending on the company and where you live. How long you pay this increase varies depending on your insurer, but typically it will spike for about three years. In many cases, premiums for insurance nearly double.

Ignition interlocks:

These are the devices that can read your blood-alcohol level in the vehicle and won’t allow the vehicle to start unless you return a zero percent reading. These can cost a couple hundred to install — on top of a pricey monthly fee.

If you’re lucky enough to keep your job after a DUI, you can also wind up facing some additional costs to be able to drive on the job, along with DUI school, counseling, community service hours and even jail time.

If you’re not allowed to drive anymore, you’re going to have to find alternative ways to get around, and that can wind up costing you even more.

Clearly the costs are just not worth the risk — even if you don’t end up in a serious or fatal accident this summer. Stay safe this summer. Be responsible — don’t drink and drive.
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Our Fort Myers injury lawyers are longtime victim advocates and supporters of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and we support the move by the National Transportation Safety Board to tighten the legal definition of “drunk” as it relates to drivers.

We have seen far too many lives mangled or destroyed by the poor choices of a few careless individuals. Any measure with the potential to reduce casualty rates has our support.

What the NTSB is proposing is slashing the legal threshold of intoxication for motor vehicle operators from a 0.08 percent blood-alcohol level down to 0.05 percent. It’s just been within the last decade that the last of the 50 states complied with the 0.08 percent standard, first proposed back in the mid-1990s. Prior to that, the legal limit was 0.15 percent.

A further reduction is not as radical as it might at first seem. Already, more than 100 industrialized nations, including most of those in Europe, Russia, Australia and South America utilize the 0.05 percent standard.

Additionally, we’re talking about the difference of maybe a single drink. While blood-alcohol content measurements vary based on a host of different factors, generally speaking, the average, 180-pound male can consume about four alcoholic beverages in a little more than an hour before he reaches the current legal threshold. Under the new guidelines, he’d only be able to down two or three before reaching the limit.

In the U.S., some 10,000 people are killed each year and another 170,000 suffer severe injuries as a result of a drunk driver’s irresponsibility. Those figures represent an improvement from where we were back in the 1980s, when as a nation we were logging 20,000 alcohol-related deaths annually.

But there is no question we can do better.

Researchers studying the issue have determined that an estimated 4 million people in this country drive while under the influence of alcohol every year. There is no question that reducing the legal limit will cause more people to think twice before ordering another and heading out the door.

Some have questioned what the real effect would be, given that the majority of fatal DUI crashes involve drivers whose blood-alcohol levels are far above the 0.08 percent threshold. Consider that when Australia slashed its legal BAC rate from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent, provinces throughout the continent reported anywhere from a 5 to 18 percent reduction in traffic fatalities. An 18 percent reduction in the U.S. would mean the preservation of some 1,800 lives each year.

The safety board reports that 0.05 percent BAC is the level at which drivers are beginning to have trouble with depth perception and other cognitive functions. At this level, the risk of an accident increases by nearly 40 percent, compared to someone who is sober. By the time someone’s BAC has risen to the 0.08 percent level, the risk of having an accident has increased more than 100 percent.
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A local government in Ireland recent took a vote to allow people in one isolated area to legally drink and drive.

According to International Business Times, lawmakers argued that the older, rural residents were less likely to cause accidents in the sparsely populated area. They added that having a few drinks along the way could help to prevent mental illness.

What’s notable, is that acceptable blood-alcohol levels went from .05 to a .07 — which is still lower than the .08 legal limit in the United States. A number of headlines have been claiming that the area has “legalized drunk driving,”

But they’re still better off than we are.

Our Fort Myers drunk driving accident lawyers understand that it’s that time of year again when we see an increase in the number of drunk-driving accidents in the area. The causes for this spike are oftentimes related to our young ones and their prom, graduation and summer break. This is a time when we need to keep an eye on our young ones. The truth of the matter is that your blood-alcohol level is tied to how many drinks you consume — and these younger drivers are more likely to binge drink that any other age group.

We’re not only concerned with the drinking and driving on our roadways, we’re also concerned with the drinking and driving out on our water. It’s all too common for us to see under-the-influence boating accidents, too, particularly as we head into the heart of boating season.

For decades in the U.S., the legal BAC was between .10 and .15. In the late 70s, officials started dropping it to .08, Officials believe that at .08, a driver isn’t falling down drunk, but reflexes and judgement are already impaired. With every bit of alcohol that we consume, our abilities to react deteriorate. When we’re behind the wheel, whether it’s a motor vehicle or a boat, we need 100 percent of our faculties.

Before your teen hits the road for their prom, graduation or their break from school, we’re asking you to sit down and talk to them. You might think that they’re too young to consume alcohol, but many parents are wrong about this each and every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 25 percent of our young ones between the ages of 12 and 20 drink alcohol. What’s worse is that more than 15 percent report binge drinking.

In 2010, there were close to 200,000 emergency rooms visits by youth under age 21 for injuries and other conditions that were related to alcohol consumption.

Be safe out there. Regardless of what the legal BAC is, you should never consume alcohol and get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle or of a watercraft. The risks aren’t worth it.
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There are drunk drivers and then there are DRUNK drivers. We’re talking about the hardcore drunk drivers, or the ones who are busted with a blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) of .15 or higher.

According to The Century Council, hardcore drunk drivers are busted with alarmingly high BAC levels, or are those who are repeat offenders and continue to get busted for driving while intoxicated.

Unfortunately, these hardcore drunk drivers account for the majority of alcohol-impaired fatalities. In an effort to help reduce the risks faced by the rest of us, officials with the Division on Addiction at Cambridge Health Alliance and The Century Council are launching a new project to test a Computerized Assessment and Referral System (CARS), which is a mental health assessment used in drunk driving intervention and treatment. They’ve already gained the support of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA).

Our Cape Coral drunk driving accident lawyers understand that these kinds of accidents are completely preventable, yet we continue to lose thousands ever year as a result of someone who climbs behind the wheel after having too much to drink. Now, researchers will be using this new project to better understand the relationship between driving under the influence and the psychiatric profiles of serious offenders.

They’re also looking at better ways to treat and sentence hardcore drunk driver. It’s all in an effort to reduce recidivism.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 2,500 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents in the state of Florida in 2010. Of these fatalities, close to 450 of them were killed in accidents in which a driver with a BAC of .15 or higher was involved. That accounts for close to 20 percent of all of the accidents.

In 2011, there were close to 34,000 DUI convictions recorded in the Sunshine State.

Under Florida state law, any driver who is convicted of their second DUI is required to have an Ignition Interlock device installed in their vehicle. A judge can order an Interlock installed on first convictions depending on circumstances (usually for hardcore drunk drivers).

The truth of the matter is that no one can consume alcohol and drive safely. Drinking and driving causes accidents, injuries and fatalities each and every day. Officials should turn to tougher sentences and consequences to help to deter these incidents in the future.

Current Penalties for a Driver’s 1st DUI Conviction:

-Fines ranging from $250 to $500.

-Up to 50 hours of community service.

-No more than a year of probation.

-No more than 6 months behind bars.

-Imprisonment with BAC of .08 or higher with a minor in the vehicle, but for no more than 9 months.

Currently, the legal limit in the state of Florida for drivers over the age of 21 is .08. Regardless of how old you are drinking and driving is considered a serious offense. The average cost of a DUI, calculating all the time, defense, penalties, etc., runs about $8,000. And that’s money down the drain.
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It’s one of the most active months of the year in Florida. Spring break and Daytona Bike Week combine with the influx of northern visitors, bringing serious alcohol-related risks, whether it’s drunk driving or underage drinking.

Official with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) are joining law enforcement officials throughout the state to help to crack down on dangerous decisions involving drugs and alcohol. Officials are urging residents and out-of-town visitors to celebrate their spring break responsibly.

Our Fort Myers Beach injury lawyers understand that driving while impaired puts everyone at risk. Not only do you face risks for a potentially fatal accident, but you run the risk of getting busted by law enforcement. DUI penalties are strict — you could wind up facing jail time as well as serious fines and fees that can leave your wallet empty.

“Florida troopers do not tolerate impaired driving, so drive sober and drive safely,” said Col.David Brierton with the Florida Highway patrol (FHP).

You’re urged to make sure you always have a safe and sober ride home. If you find yourself without a designated driver, consider calling a cab, a friend or a family member or taking public transportation. Remember that you are better off paying the cash than running the risk of being slapped with a DUI — which could wind up costing you thousands.

During the month of March, law enforcement officers throughout the state will also be cracking down on underage drinking. Not only are they targeting the underage individuals in possession of alcohol, but they’re going after the ones who help to provide the alcohol to them.

Officials with the Department of Business and Professional Regulation remind Floridians of the state’s minimum drinking age — 21-years-old. Anyone who is under the age of 21 is prohibited from possessing alcohol. If they’re busted, they can be cited and can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor. If you’re the one who provided the alcohol to a minor, whether you sold it or not, you can also be cited and charged with a misdemeanor.

You’re reminded that it’s illegal for anyone in a motor vehicle to possess an open container of alcohol. It doesn’t matter if the car is in motion.

We’re asking for everyone’s help during this year’s spring break. If you see a friend or a family member who has been drinking and has keys in their hand — make sure you step in an get their keys from them. If you’re already out on our roadways and you think you’ve spotted a driver who is intoxicated, you’re asked to call the FHP by dialing *FHP on your cell phone.
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The big day is here — And in addition to fun, football and fellowship, you should remember that Super Bowl Sunday is among the most dangerous day of the year when it comes to drunk driving accidents.

On February 3rd, residents from around the state will gather around their televisions to cheer on their favorite team, whether it’s the San Francisco 49ers or the Baltimore Ravens. With this American tradition, we’ve got the grills turned up, the faces painted and the drinks on ice.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-related accidents cost the country more than $35 billion each and every year. More than 10,000 lose their lives. We lose someone in these careless accidents every 51 minutes!

Our Cape Coral drunk driving accident attorneys encourage all Southwest Floridians to celebrate responsibly this Sunday! The important thing to remember is that we all need to be a team player and designate a sober driver. “Fans don’t let fans drive drunk.”

Before heading out to your Super Bowl Sunday destination, make sure that you’ve got yourself a designated driver if you plan on drinking. This is something you need to figure out before your start your night. It’s also important for you to remember that a designated driver isn’t the one who is the least drunk. A sober driver is someone who has consumed absolutely no alcohol!

If you’ve been drinking and you don’t have yourself a driver — Don’t worry! There are other ways that you can get home safely without having to get behind the wheel. Read the following before heading out to make sure you have a plan.

Safe Ways to Get Home:

-Designate a sober driver before heading out. Make sure that there is an agreement that there will be no alcohol consumed by this individual.

-Call a cab. Keep taxi numbers in your purse and wallet. Cabs can help you to get where you need to be without having to drive. Offer cab numbers to those who you think could use the help, too!

-Reach out to a friend or family member. See if someone you know, who is sober, can offer you a ride.

-Consider using public transportation. You can always use the bus system to get you home. Just make sure you know the bus routes and the times of these routes. We don’t want you waiting at the bus stop all night.

-Sleep it off. If you can’t find a safe and sober way to get home consider getting a hotel room or staying over at a friend or family member’s house. We’re sure they have a spare bedroom or even a vacant couch.

Although roughly 10,000 people die every year from alcohol-related car accidents, it’s important to remember that each and every one of these accidents are preventable. Be safe, be responsible and enjoy your Super Bowl Sunday!
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Thousands were cited during the recent “Drive Sober Get Pulled Over” campaign conducted by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

As we reported on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog, Florida is one of the deadliest in the country for drunk driving accidents. These accidents continue to be the cause of about 30 percent of all traffic fatalities.

Well, officials with the FHP and local law enforcement officers throughout the state were combing our roadways from the 12th of December through the 2nd of January. Patrols were beefed up and administrative duties were postponed — all in an effort to keep you safe.

Our Naples drunk driving accident lawyers understand that Florida officials were able to dish out more than 39,000 citations during this enforcement period. In addition to the citations, they were able to apprehend close to 550 individuals for driving under the influence. It doesn’t stop there either. Officials handed speeding citations to close to 14,000 drivers and seat belt citations to more than 2,500 motorists.

Still, there were close to 11,000 traffic accidents that occurred over this enforcement period, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).

It wasn’t all bad news though. Officials were able to lend a helping hand to close to 11,000 motorists who may have broken down, got a flat tire or even ran out of gas.

“Our troopers were out on the roadways to help Florida residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable holiday period,” said Col. David Brierton with the FHP.

With the release of this information, FHP officers are also reminding motorists of the “Move Over Law,” which we also discussed on our Florida Injury Lawyer Blog.

When you’re approaching an emergency vehicle, whether it’s a police officer, an ambulance or a tow truck, you’re required to move over a lane and offer them some space. It’s for their safety! If you can’t move over a lane because it’s blocked or because there isn’t a lane to move into, you’re required to slow your vehicle down to 20 miles per hour below the speed limit. If you’re driving down a road that has a 20 mile per hour speed limit, then you’re required to drop the speed to 5 miles per hour.

With the enforcement period done and the New Year already here, we’re asking drivers to renew their devotion to safe driving. Safe decisions behind the wheel have the ability to save lives. Some of the most important things you can do are vow to stay sober behind the wheel, keep the distractions out of the driver’s seat, obey local, state and federal driving laws and make sure everyone is buckled in during each car ride. These 4 simple tips can help keep you and your family safer on the road.
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The State of Florida continues to be one of the deadliest states in the nation for drunk driving crashes. Once again, we reported the third-most deaths in 2011, behind California and Texas, which both have a larger population, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Not only did we see a significant increase in the number of drunk driving accident fatalities in the state of Florida from 2010 to 2011, but these accidents continue to account for about 30 percent of all car accident deaths.

Our Cape Coral drunk driving accident lawyers are reminding motorists to be extra careful out there, especially through the holiday season. Through November, December and January, we see some of the highest risks for these kinds of accidents. That’s why officials with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) are pushing the “Drunk and Drugged Driving (3D) Prevention Month” campaign. This campaign is taking place through the entire month of December and it’s working to keep intoxicated drivers off of our roadways.

“Those who drive under the influence endanger everyone on the road and will go to jail,” says Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney General.

Officials with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) are also pushing safety measures, including the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” holiday campaign.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the number of drunk driving accident fatalities is actually down. Still, there were nearly 10,000 people who were killed in these kinds of collisions last year. While the decrease is good news, the fact that these completely preventable accidents are taking the lives of thousands every year is completely unacceptable.

“Ultimately, personal responsibility is critical to improving roadway safety and we urge all motorists to be responsible this holiday season and never, ever drive drunk,” said David Strickland, Administrator for the NHTSA.

The NHTSA is pushing about $7 million in TV and radio ads to help to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Officials believe that raising awareness is one of the most effective ways to keep intoxicated drivers from behind the wheel. During this time of the year, not only are you at some serious risks for an arrest and for jail time, but you’re at some serious risks for a potentially fatal car accident when drinking and driving.

Be safe out there and make sure that your holiday plans include a designated driver or another safe and sober way to get home if you plan on drinking. It’s a move that could wind up saving your life. Happy Holidays to you and your family and remember to be safe and sober out there. Call *347 or 9-1-1 if you think you spot a drunk driver on Florida roadways.
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