millerboycott.com

Law enforcement agencies all across North Carolina continue to hit the roads with extra enforcement for the holiday season. Although most company gatherings may have already passed, police remain on the lookout for traffic violations, and possible drivers who are impaired,–and the crackdown will continue through the New Year’s celebration. Many families get together throughout the holiday season. Friends, families and companies may have celebrations planned though the New Year’s celebration.

While a traffic ticket, or DWI charge, could certainly put a damper on holiday festivities, traffic accidents are also of concern for law enforcement. When most people think of DWI charges, the common response is to think of drunk driving offenses. But it is important to note that law enforcement in Pitt County, and across the state, is also wary of drugged driving offenses. Among the issues drivers may face are DWI charges involving the use of a duly prescribed medication.

A trooper with the North Carolina Highway Patrol recently told the Sampson independent that drivers need to be aware that medications can cause impairment. He says, “Many drivers are arrested for impaired driving each year because they are operating a vehicle while impaired because of prescription medications and/or illegal drugs.”

North Carolina law generally treats prescription medication DWI charges as harshly as any other DWI charge. This holiday season-through the New Year-drivers can expect North Carolina law enforcement to be patrolling the roads, looking for a variety of traffic offenses. The Highway Patrol says that it is emphasizing so-called hazardous violations of the state traffic and DWI laws. That includes such offenses as speeding, seatbelt offenses, aggressive driving and distracted driving.

It is important to use common sense all through the year, but law enforcement says that the holiday season is a good time to remind drivers to use common sense.

Having a safe holiday season is important for all North Carolina residents. Greenville DWI defense lawyers are aware that some drivers may be pulled into the criminal justice system during this festive time of year. Anyone accused of a traffic violation, or DWI charges can speak with legal counsel for help in navigating the criminal justice system.

Source: Sampson Independent, “Patrol urges caution during holiday travel,” Sherry Matthews, Dec. 24, 2012

Greenville DUI Attorney Blog | North Carolina Underage Drinking Lawyer | Pitt County First DUI Law Firm

Every parent wants to raise safe drivers – teens who operate a vehicle courteously and safely. To reduce the risk of your child being injured in a Pompano Beach car accident:

1) Start with smaller responsibilities. Learning traffic rules and good road habits start well before the teen years. When your child is very small, he or she will learn some road rules by learning to cross roads by themselves. Later, you can help your child by teaching them to ride a bicycle safely, avoiding Pompano Beach bicycle accidents.

2) Teach your child car safety through games. Many video games involving cars include racing and stunts, so make sure to balance that with online games that focus on traffic safety. These games are great for small children, as they can teach your child about safety rules and traffic laws.

3) Be a good role model. When you drive carefully, refuse to drive distracted, and obey the laws, your children see that driving is important. Children mirror their parents more than many parents realize, so driving courteously and safely helps set your child up for safe driving habits.

4) Get your teen into driving classes early and offer additional training. Many parents start swimming lessons early to protect their children from Pompano Beach drowning accidents and pool accidents. Driving classes can be the same way; they can teach your teen the basics of car safety so that your teen can stay safer. Providing additional driver training and defensive driver training is also importance, since most basic driver education classes only offer limited in-car lessons and do not focus extensively on defensive driving, an important skill that can help your teen prevent a Pompano Beach traffic accident.

5) Let your new teen driver drive sometimes. Driving in the car with your teen helps you notice any bad habits that your teen driver is forming and lets you get additional driver training for your teen, if needed. Driving together also helps your teen develop driving skills and confidence.

6) Set rules. Having written rules about passengers, cell phone use, and drinking and driving helps ensure that your teen knows the rules and the consequences for breaking them.

7) Keep in mind that even if your teen is not yet driving, they may be picking up habits from peers. If your teen is under the age of 16 but has older friends or siblings, he or she may be noticing different driving habits and may be at risk if peers drink and drive. From an early age, make sure that your child knows the dangers of Pompano Beach drunk driving accidents and the dangers of reckless driving. Make sure that your child knows that they can call you (and possibly other family members) for a drive with no questions asked if they are in a dangerous situation.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Misty Lake Lodge has become a safe haven for flood evacuees from Little Saskatchewan First Nation.
Manitoba stories

At this time of year, many Miami residents are making plans to travel to see family for the holidays. While some individuals choose to take planes, cars are a popular method of getting home for the holidays – they can make for a less expensive trip and can offer more flexibility in terms of travel time. If you are planning a road trip to see family, however, make sure that you avoid Miami car accidents (as well as accidents outside the state) by following these safety tips:

1) Give yourself plenty of time. Estimate how long it will take you to drive from your home to your destination (Google Maps is a good tool for estimating this) and then add several hours. You want to offer yourself plenty of time since you may run into traffic and you will want to leave time for meals, breaks, and rest stops. Knowing that you have plenty of time to get to your destination ensures that you are not rushing, and rushing and speeding, all of which can increase your risk of Miami traffic accidents.

2) Get a weather update. Knowing what the weather will be on the day you travel and knowing what weather to expect at your destination can help you plan your trip. If the weather will be bad, do everything you can to give yourself more time and try to travel during the daylight as much as possible to get the best visibility possible.

3) Drive with a friend if you can. You can share the costs of gas and share driving time as well, so that you are not driving fatigued.

4) Plan your route carefully. Have at least two alternate routes planned so that you can get to your destination safely even if roads are closed. When planning your route, also consider possible problems, such as night driving or driving through wintery conditions, so that you are prepared for any challenges.

5) Prepare a drive safe kit. This should include a cell phone, a first aid kit, flares, a blanket, and a flashlight. If your car breaks down, you will be happy to have these items on hand. If you are traveling somewhere with winter conditions, pack a bag of salt or non-clumping kitty litter (in case you get stuck in ice and need some traction), a scraper for your windshield, and a shovel to dig yourself out of snow.

6) Make sure your car is ready for the trip. Get a tune up if it has been a while, since a poorly-maintained car is more likely to have trouble responding quickly in order to avoid a Miami truck accident or car accident. If you will be traveling somewhere with winter conditions, consider investing in a good set of winter tires – they can save your life in slippery conditions.

7) Plan to be undistracted. Well-intentioned family could phone you while you are driving to get an update on your location, so it is safest to turn off your cell phone and put it away in the glove compartment. Make sure that any entertainment you plan for your trip – such as music – will not distract you from driving.

8 ) Plan to rest before your trip. Avoid going to a party the night before your trip. If you drink late and stay out late, you will be exhausted and driving fatigued. You may also still have an alcohol blood level above the legal level, putting you at risk of a Miami drunk driving accident. Get to bed early the night before you travel, so that you are well rested and ready to drive.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

We are on our way to Virginia Beach to join with MADD Southside Virginia in honoring their law enforcement officers for their efforts to fight drunk driving. Clearly the Labor Day weekend traffic has begun. Our highway safety officials are warning us to Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. This symbolizes the last weekend of the summer when families frequently share the time together. The roads are jammed with cars filled with families.

We at MADD just want you to enjoy the time by planning a way home with a sober driver. My own daughter was killed when she was only 15, her life cut short before it began. Be sure no one you love has their life cut short by someone who chooses to drink and drive. Jan Withers….MADD President

Blog to Eliminate Drunk Driving

The July 4th holiday is full of fun with family, friends, and celebrations. With all the festivities surrounding the weekend, The Century Council wants to remind drivers to be safe this weekend and to not drive drunk. The Century Council has a unique animated card which reminds individuals to make the wise choice, which is to stay safe and not to drive drunk this holiday weekend. Share the July 4th video, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

“Everyone has a role to play in fighting drunk driving; especially during high-risk periods, such as holidays. Federal, state, and local governments, as well as the general public, need to support efforts to educate citizens of the dangers associated with drunk drivers. Take action andspread the message to not drive drunk this holiday weekend,” said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council.

Century Council Blog

Summer is the perfect time for a road trip. Whether you are headed across the country or just across the state, however, use these tips to avoid a Florida car accident during your vacation:

1) Make sure your car is ready for the road. Some cars are simply not fit for long road trips. Before you go, take your car to a trusted mechanic for a basic tune-up and a check of major systems. Get your fluids changed and your tires and brakes checked to ensure that your car is ready for the journey.

2) Plan your trip carefully. Map out your trip carefully, making sure to note rest stops, hotels, and alternative routes in case main routes prove impassable. Online communities are a great way to plan a trip. Make sure that you note any hazards on your route – such as mountainous areas or areas known for fog – so that you are prepared.

3) Pack the essentials. In a small duffel bag, you should pack the items that you need to drive safe. These items should include snacks and bottled water, a blanket, a map, sunscreen, a hat, hand sanitizer, sunglasses, and a cell phone (which should be turned off while you drive). Having everything you may need in one place makes it easier to pull over to the side of the road and find the essentials when you need one of these items.

4) Give all passengers a job to do. Passengers can be a great distraction on the road, so give your passengers a game to play or have them trace the route on a map. This is especially important for small children, who can squabble and be very distracting when bored. If you are traveling with children, pack an iPod of music, games, and other distractions.

5) Take your time. Giving yourself plenty of time ensures that you are not trying to drive for hours at a time. When planning your trip, schedule a short break every hour, as well as time for meals plus a good night of sleep at a hotel or motel. Good breaks can make you less likely to be fatigued and therefore dangerous on the road.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Click here to be the lucky charm designated driver.

MADD Oregon News

St. Patrick’s Day – a day to celebrate The Irish victory over snakes, to wear more green than usual, perhaps to try soda bread. And yes, perhaps a visit to an Irish bar if you’re of age.

But one thing today isn’t for is drunk driving. Luck favors preparation, so either prepare ahead of time to take a taxi or public transportation home, buddy up with a friend who won’t be consuming, or don’t plan on consuming at all.

Also, if you’re in the Washington, DC metro area – the SoberRide program, which will be offering free cab rides from 4:00 pm, Thursday, March 17 to 4:00 am, Friday, March 18, 2011. It’s a fantastic program for Washingtonians, and one we’re very happy to support.

Century Council Blog

The Century Council applauds U.S. Senators Tom Udall (D-NM) and Bob Corker (R-TN) who introduced The Research of Alcohol Detection Systems for Stopping Alcohol-related Fatalities Everywhere, or ROADS SAFE Act this week. This legislation would authorize million per year for five years to support research on the feasibility, potential benefits and public policy challenges associated with using in-vehicle technology to prevent drunk driving. The funding would go to the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS), a program that is currently being run by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in collaboration with outside organizations.

In 2006, The Century Council committed its support for the exploration of advanced technologies to prevent drunk driving, and we believe that this type of development holds great promise if it is moderately priced, absolutely reliable, set at the legal BAC limit of .08, and unobtrusive to the sober driver. We are pleased to reaffirm this longstanding position by supporting The ROADS SAFE Act of 2011. Mothers Against Drunk Driving, AAA and the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States also support the legislation.

The Century Council Chairman, Susan Molinari, was quoted in the Senators’ joint press release: “If our nation can develop technology to prevent people from driving drunk while preserving the rights of drivers below the legal .08 percent BAC limit, it has the capacity to save thousands of lives each year.”

We thank Senators Udall and Corker for their leadership and commitment to this important effort.

Century Council Blog