DUI, or driving under the influence, accidents can be devastating to not only the victims and their families, but also to the individual who caused the accident. This kind of accident can be prevented by using a designated driver if you are going to drink on a night out. States have strict limits on the blood alcohol content that shows that a person is too drunk to drive. In many cases, it doesn’t take any more than one or two drinks to put a person under the influence. When a driver is in this state, reflexes slow down, reaction time lengthens and good judgment is severely impaired.
Those that drive drunk also make poor judgments in regards to speed, maneuvering and how their position in traffic relative in others. In one moment, a wrong turn of the wheel due to impaired judgment can cause a tragic accident. To combat this, many states are passing laws that require drivers with past DUI’s to have a device installed in their vehicle that tests their breath. They blow into the device, and if any alcohol is detected, the car will not start. This prevention method is essential for keeping unsafe drivers off of the road.
Also, other prevention programs can help to prevent DUI accidents. Getting an alcoholic into a detox program or Alcoholics Anonymous can help them to quit drinking over time. These programs offer a safe environment and support for gradually walking away from it permanently. Drivers can also use commonsense if they are going out to drink for an evening. Taking a taxi, riding with a sober friend and leaving your keys with someone else can prevent others from getting hurt.
Other drivers need to be aware while on the road. If you see a driver who is weaving or making poor consistent driving choices, it is imperative that you call the police. Pull over and contact them as soon as possible so that an officer can be dispatched to pull them over. If you do see a driver like this, stay clear and far away, preferably behind them. If you are in front, pull over when safe. Pedestrians, cyclists and others using alternate forms of transportation as well. Riding on busy highways can be risky, and it is imperative to stay as far over as possible and be aware of traffic. Install a rearview mirror on your helmet or bicycle to be aware of traffic behind you. Awareness is one of the best preventions you can do. The best advice is to ride when traffic is slower, such as the early morning, middle day or later evening hours.
Prevention of DUI accidents is imperative for all drivers. Using common sense when drinking and being aware of the traffic around you can stop an accident from occurring.
If You Cause a DUI Accident You Need to Know What Happens Next
This information is for people who have been charged with a DUI that involved an accident. The information is designed to provide some idea of what the ramifications are likely to be. The information contained in this article is mainly for people who have been charged and those people trying to help someone who has been charged with a DUI.
First of all, if you cause a DUI accident, you are likely to be charged with the more serious DUI felony and not the DUI misdemeanor. This is definitely true if the accident resulted in someone being hurt or killed. The felony version of the DUI charge often time carries a prison term as part of the sentence.
Mandatory sentencing requirements are the next thing to be aware of. If you are charged with a felony, you may run afoul of mandatory sentencing requirements. If this is the case, your lawyer will not be able to get your sentence reduced or thrown out. You will need to do some research to find out exactly what the sentencing requirements are in your state.
The final item here is that your insurance carrier may either drop you or raise your rates to astronomical levels. They view you as a high risk not only because of the DUI but specifically because it resulted in an accident. It’s possible that you won’t be able to get insurance and have to find a high risk driver pool to get insured.
In summary, if you are determined to be the person who causes an DUI accident, you’ll be charged with a felony and likely go to prison. As a reminder, you may run afoul of mandatory sentencing laws, depending on what state you are in. This could result in you having to serve the full sentence. And lastly, expect to be dropped or gouged by your insurance company as they will reclassify you as a high risk.