Preventing Drunk Driving: Awareness and Education – Guest Post

   

Drunk Driving

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room, or rather, the drunk elephant behind the wheel—drunk driving. We all know it’s a terrible idea, but it still happens far too often.

While good DWI and DUI lawyers in Phoenix can help one out of a drunk-driving case, this may not resolve the underlying issue. And so we’re diving deep into the world of responsible drinking, highlighting the importance of awareness and education in maintaining highway safety.

The Impact of Drunk Driving: Key Statistics

Let’s take a quick pit stop to look at some eye-opening statistics that underscore the urgency of the matter:

  1. In the United States, approximately 37 people lose their lives due to alcohol-related traffic accidents.
  2. Annually, 10,000 lives could be saved if people chose not to drink and drive.

Now, if that doesn’t make you sit up and pay attention, we don’t know what will. It’s high time we address this issue head-on.

Factors Behind Drunk Driving

Why Do People Drink and Drive?

Getting behind the wheel after a few too many drinks is a bad idea. That is common knowledge, but people still drive drunk. Why? Here are some reasons:

  • Overconfidence: Some folks think they’re invincible after a few drinks. “I can handle it,” they say. But can they, really?
  • Lack of Alternatives: Public transportation isn’t always convenient, and finding a designated driver can be a hassle.
  • Impaired Judgment: Alcohol impairs judgment, leading some to believe they’re sober enough to drive when they’re not.
  • Social Pressure: Sometimes, it’s peer pressure that gets the best of us. “Come on, just one more!”

The Role of Awareness in Prevention

Preventing drunk driving begins with spreading awareness like wildfire. We need to make sure people understand the consequences and the risks.

  • Social Media Campaigns: Use the power of social media to share stories, stats, and hard-hitting images that send a clear message: Don’t drink and drive!
  • Community Outreach: Organize seminars, workshops, and events in local communities to educate people about the perils of drunk driving.
  • Partnerships with Bars and Restaurants: Encourage bars and restaurants to promote responsible drinking and offer alternative transportation options.

The Power of Education in Combating Drunk Driving

Awareness is one thing, but education takes it a step further. Educating people about the dangers of driving under the influence and the alternatives available can be a game-changer.

  • School Programs: Implement programs in schools that educate young people about the consequences of drunk driving.
  • Mandatory DUI Classes: For drivers who were convicted of DUI, attending educational classes should be mandatory. Let’s ensure they learn from their mistakes.
  • Family Conversations: Discussing the issue within families can be powerful. Parents can set an example for their children and have open conversations about the risks.

How Drunk Driving Laws and Regulations are Evolving

Laws surrounding impaired driving have become more stringent over the years, which is excellent news for road safety.

  • Ignition Interlock Devices: Many states require DUI offenders to install these devices, which prevent the car from starting if the driver’s BAC is above the legal limit(0.08).
  • No Refusal Weekends: Some areas designate certain weekends as “no refusal” periods, where law enforcement can quickly obtain search warrants for blood tests if a driver refuses a breathalyzer.

Consequences of Drunk Driving Offenses

While we’ve covered a lot about prevention, let’s not forget the repercussions of drunk driving:

  • Legal Troubles: DUI convictions can lead to fines, license suspension, and jail time.
  • Financial Costs: Defending against a DUI charge and paying fines can be expensive.
  • Personal Guilt: The emotional burden of knowing you’ve put lives at risk can be overwhelming.
  • Injury and Death: Drunk driving can result in severe accidents and fatalities, forever altering lives.
  • Increased Insurance Premiums: Your car insurance rates are likely to skyrocket after a DUI conviction.

Technological Advances in Drunk Driving Prevention

The ever-advancing world of technology also plays a significant role in preventing drunk driving.

  • Rideshare Apps: Uber, Lyft, and similar apps have made it incredibly easy to find a sober ride home.
  • Breathalyzers: Personal breathalyzers allow individuals to check their blood alcohol before deciding to drive.
  • In-Car Safety Features: Some vehicles are equipped with advanced safety features that can prevent drunk driving incidents, such as lane departure warnings and automatic emergency braking.

Conclusion

Preventing drunk driving isn’t just about laws and regulations; it’s about changing hearts and minds. Awareness and education are the keys to making our roads safer for everyone.

So, the next time we raise a glass, ensure we’re also raising awareness and being responsible. Remember, it’s about everyone sharing the road’s traffic safety.

About the author:

Michelle White
Content Marketing Strategist

Michelle White is currently the Content Marketing Strategist for Arizona DUI Team. Aside from spreading awareness on DUI and vehicular-related offenses, she enjoys reading and hiking with her family and friends.

Holiday Drunk Driving Facts To Ponder – Guest Post

   

Holiday Drunk Driving

There is no doubt whatsoever that alcohol affects one’s driving, and often in deadly ways, as nearly 30 people in the United States die in drunk-driving crashes every day.

Still, despite heightened awareness campaigns and stricter DUI laws and enforcement, many people continue to drink and drive, which explains why more than a million drivers were arrested for driving in 2018 alone.

With the expected drinking binges that typically come with the holidays, it is highly likely for law enforcement officers to add more arrests to that figure.

It’s even possible that some of those arrests would be for underage DUI, as minors will likely have an easier time sneaking beer out of the cooler during holiday gatherings when everyone else is occupied.

In any case, here are several holiday drunk driving facts that you need to ponder.

Drunk Driving Deaths Rise Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s

According to a representative of the nonprofit organization Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), there was a 35 percent increase in the number of drunk driving deaths between Thanksgiving Eve and New Year’s Eve from 2013 to 2017.

Police Set Up DUI Checkpoints

Some people might think of holiday merrymaking as an excuse to drink and drive, but police implement measures during the peak days of the season to ensure that drunk driving will never be tolerated regardless of the occasion.

In many states, police set up DUI checkpoints at strategic locations to catch those who violate drunk driving laws during the holidays.

While states like Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington consider DUI checkpoints unconstitutional, the United States Supreme Court says otherwise, stating that keeping drunk drivers off the road carries is more of a priority than inconvenience and privacy issues drivers may raise.

A DUI Arrest Will Cost You A Small Fortune

Whether you’re arrested for DUI during the holidays or at any other time of the year, you can expect your violation to burn a hole in your pocket.

Your bail alone would cost you a few hundred dollars or more, depending on the amount set by the judge.

There are also court costs and court-ordered fees to consider, which could run up to $1,000-$1,500 for first-time DUI offenders.

Should a court convict you, you will likely be ordered to pay hefty fines and damages, depending on the circumstances of your DUI case.

If your sentence includes jail time, that means you won’t be able to work and earn an income for a given period.

A DUI conviction means you will also have a criminal record, which could make finding jobs once you serve out your sentence a bit difficult.

Car insurance companies also tend to charge customers with DUI convictions, much higher car insurance rates.

Whatever bonuses you receive at the end of the year, you can expect that money to go down the drain once you get arrested for a DUI during the holidays.

With all the alcoholic drinks in plain view during holiday parties, it would take a gargantuan effort on your part to refuse to partake.

However, if you do imbibe alcohol during the holidays, you should at least do what you can to avoid getting behind the wheel. You can have a designated driver, or you can use a ride-hailing service to help you get home safely. That way, you won’t have to face all the inconveniences and costs that come with a holiday DUI arrest.

About the Author:

Andrea Williams is the Community Manager at The Law Offices of Alcock & Associates P.C., a premier law group in Arizona that provides legal services to clients involved in Personal Injury, DUI, Immigration and Criminal cases. She enjoys cooking, reading books and playing minigolf with her friends and family in her spare time.

How to Prevent Your Teen From Driving Drunk – Guest Post

   

Prevent Your Teen From Driving Drunk

About 10% of licensed drivers in the United States are under 21. And the bothering fact is that this demographic is held accountable for 17% of the country’s alcohol-related incidents. This only explains why parents do everything they can to keep their teens from driving drunk, even if it means installing ignition interlock devices.

As parents, there are other things you can do to keep your teens from driving while under the influence. Below are some effective techniques to consider:

1. Educate them about the dangers of drunk driving.

Discipline starts with the parents. Educate your teenager about the dangers of drunk driving. Let them know it is a serious offense that may result in fines and jail time. Having that basic knowledge alone should be more than enough to keep your teenager alert on the road and say no to alcohol when driving.

And if unfortunately, they are arrested for driving under the influence, an ignition interlock device could be installed in their cars. And they have to learn a lot about the device, including troubleshooting ignition interlock device issues and the dangers of tampering with the device.

2. Establish clear rules against drinking and driving.

Hands-on parents can somehow make a difference in the lives of their teens. Establishing clear rules against drinking and driving reduces the chances of teens getting involved in drunk-driving incidents. It also gives them an idea about what behavior is expected from them. So, as a parent of a teen, the number one rule to emphasize is to never drink and drive. If anything, inform them to contact you instead or have another friend who can drive to take them home.

3. Ally with the parents of your teenager’s friends.

It helps to get to know the parents of your teenager’s friends. And when you’ve already formed a bond, you can make a pact to look after each other’s kids so you can avoid parties that serve alcohol and drugs.

4. Have a secret code with your teenager.

One common reason teenagers don’t call their parents for help is that they don’t want to be embarrassed in front of their friends. In such a scenario, having a secret code can help your teenager reach out to you easily without losing face. Let your teenager use secret codes like “I have flu” to notify you that they need to be picked up.

5. Prepare a backup plan.

It would be great to have an emergency plan if you are not available to pick up your child. For example, you can give your trusted friend’s number to your teen. Let your teen contact your friend should your number be out of reach.

6. Don’t make alcohol available.

Teenagers nowadays can easily access alcohol. And one of the most convenient places to get it is right at your home. In that case, hide your liquor supply, and don’t tell them where you’ve hidden the alcohol. Make sure to have an inventory of those bottles, too!

7. Consider special occasions.

Graduation and prom nights are occasions when alcohol could be served, and drunk driving incidents are at their peak. Thus, get in touch with school officials and other parents, and come up with an agreement to ensure your teens’ safety. For instance, you can suggest having a safe ride program that features vehicles with good car audio installation after the event. Better yet, designate older siblings to fetch your teen.

8. Make your teen understand.

Peer pressure is there, and it is inevitable. Teens can’t easily say no in such situations. What you can do is help your teenager think of ways to save themselves from the pressure. Some good excuses would be, “My mom will take my license if she finds I’m drunk driving,” or something like, “My friend is going to pick me up later.”

Don’t Let Your Teenagers Drink and Drive!

You are responsible for the safety and well-being of your teenagers, so do everything you can to keep them from being arrested for a first-time DUI. Teach them all there is to know about drunk driving and the consequences that come with it. Most importantly, be a good example. Be someone worth emulating.

About the author

Lauren McDowell is the Content Marketing Strategist for Interlock Install, a Phoenix-based company that performs the installations, service appointments, and removals for ADS Interlock. When not writing, she attends book clubs and enjoys reading stories to her kids.