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As we near the end of April, we are also approaching the end of the school year. Spring brings a series of proms, and graduation parties all across North Carolina. The governor has declared April as Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month. Parents and teens alike generally know that underage drinking is prohibited under North Carolina law. And when teens and 20-year-olds drink and drive, the consequences can be increased.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving says that consequences that can arise from underage drinking– other than those in the justice system–can be severe for young adults, regardless of whether a teen drives or not. The organization says that the majority of deaths that can be linked to underage drinking do not occur in drunk driving car accidents. MADD says that 68 percent of alcohol-related fatalities are from non-traffic related causes-including murder, suicide and alcohol poisoning.

Authorities say that underage drinkers accounted for nearly ten percent of all alcohol sold in the state in 2010. Officials also say that 34 percent of high school students admitted in a survey to having consumed alcohol within the 30 days preceding the study.

The data is general data, not related just to the end of the school year. However, as prom season slides by and the graduation season approaches, many high school, and even college aged kids, may find themselves receiving a citation for underage drinking. Many drivers may face underage DUI or DWI charges as we move toward the summer months.

When it comes to driving offenses, a teen can be charged with DWI based upon the traditional concepts of DWI laws in North Carolina. But, the state has a zero tolerance for underage drivers. Essentially, any evidence of alcohol, such as a reading as low as 0.01 percent, can support an underage DUI charge in North Carolina. Underage drivers accused of drinking and driving can also expect to have their licenses suspended.

Anyone facing underage alcohol offenses in North Carolina should not take the matter lightly. Teens accused of underage possession or consumption, and especially drunk driving offenses, should consider seeking the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer to assess the allegations and devise a defense to the accusations.

Sources:

• Fuquay-Varina Independent, “April is Alcohol Abuse Awareness Month,” April 26, 2013
• KLTV 7, “Underage drinking leads to fatalities on, off roads,” Updated April 24, 2013

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

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

Each summer, many tourists choose to visit Miami and the rest of Florida to enjoy the warm hospitality and the natural beauty of the region. While most visitors are careful and responsible, some residents do feel that tourist season can lead to an increase of Miami traffic accidents. One reason is because tourist season can mean more cars on the roads. Visitors to the state may bring their own cars or may rent cars, but many tourists choose cars to see more of the state. In addition, summer inevitably means more students home from school and therefore a slight increase in local traffic. Unfortunately, more cars on the road can mean more congestion, frayed tempers, and therefore Miami car accidents.

Tourist season can also mean more pedestrians and other forms of traffic sharing the roads. Many visitors choose to see Miami on foot. Cruise ship visitors, for example, do not bring their cars with them and may choose to see the city by walking. There are also shops offering tourists bicycles and motorcycles for rent. Some visitors may choose these transportation options to see more of the city, and local residents may also choose to bike and walk to take advantage of the beautiful weather. Unfortunately, this can also mean more types of traffic sharing the road, which can increase the risk of Miami motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and bicycle accidents.

Tourist season means more drivers who may be unfamiliar with city streets. Some of the drivers on Miami’s streets in the summer are enjoying their first glimpse of the city. While most do everything they can to drive safely, unfamiliarity with the streets can be dangerous. Visitors may be watching for signs more carefully because they are unfamiliar with the area or may be distracted by all there is to see in Miami.

Unfortunately, tourist season coincides with road construction. This can also be a problem. When construction and road repairs coincide with an influx of drivers, the result can be even more traffic congestion as well as confusion about detours and alternate routes. The stress and congestion can easily lead to road rage, Miami pedestrian accidents, and other traffic problems.

Alcohol can make tourist season driving even more dangerous. Tourist season does coincide with many summer holidays, and many summer events and parties do include alcohol. Unfortunately, Miami drunk driving accidents are a concern all year long, but can be an especial problem during the summer, when people celebrate with a cool beer or drink. Summer’s heat can also exacerbate the effects of alcohol, making car crashes even more likely.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Miami takes extra steps to prevent Miami car accidents caused by drinking and driving during the holiday season. Unfortunately, holiday parties and events can increase the number of DUI accidents on the city’s roads. It is everyone’s responsibility to prevent these types of Miami traffic accidents and there are many things you can do to help prevent DUI accidents this holiday season:

1) Carry extra cash in your wallet. Place this money apart from the rest of your money, perhaps in a separate pocket or behind some of your ID, so that you will not spend it. Having extra cash ensures that you always have money towards a taxi, so that there is no excuse for getting behind the wheel of your car after you have been drinking.

2) Have more than one safe way to get home at all times. In many instances, public transportation or even a taxi may not be an option – especially if you are well outside the city. In your glove compartment, keep a range of taxi phone numbers, cash for taxis, information about bus routes, motel room information, and a list of friends you can call for a safe drive home. The more safe options you have, the more likely you are to choose a safe alternative to get home.

3) Prepare to drink – even if you don’t plan on drinking. It’s easy to assume that you will not drink at a holiday party and will therefore be able to get yourself home. However, once at that party you may be tempted to drink or you may end up unwittingly drinking a holiday punch that is full of brandy. Don’t assume that you will be able to drive yourself home; always have options and cash on hand.

4) Consider taking a no-drinking-and-driving pledge with friends. MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) as well as other organizations make such pledges available. Signing a pledge and promising not to drink and drive can help you consider the risks of Miami drunk driving accidents and can help you make the right choice.

5) Talk to your children about drinking and driving. Don’t assume that just because your children are under the legal age of drinking that they are safe from Miami drunk driving accidents. Underage drinking is a very real problem, and even if your teens do not drink, they may get in a car with a driver who has been drinking. Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving with your children and have your children promise to call you rather than driving home with someone who has been drinking. Make sure that you praise, rather than punish, your children for making the right decision if they do call you for a safe drive home.

6) Be responsible when serving alcohol at your holiday parties. If someone is in a drunk driving accident after leaving a party where you served alcohol, you could be held partly liable, and a Miami premises liability claim will make your holidays very unpleasant. Consider holding alcohol-free parties. If that is not an option, stop serving alcohol early and make sure that everyone has a safe way to get home.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

It’s no secret that Florida is a major tourist destination and now that the school season is winding down, many people from all across the country and from around the world are making plans to visit the state for their vacations. Tourists bring important cash into the economy, but they can also mean a greater risk of Florida car accidents because:

1) Not all tourists are familiar with Florida roads. Tourists may drive more slowly, back up, and need to turn around as they look for their hotels or destinations. The roads and road signs – as well as the hazards – which are familiar to local Floridians are not familiar to those who have never driven on Florida roads before. Anticipating other cars and driving defensively is therefore important for all drivers.

2) More tourists mean more traffic. More people pouring into Florida and heading on the roads towards major attractions means more traffic – and traffic can mean more frayed tempers as well as a greater risk of car accidents. When driving during the tourist season, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination and give yourself plenty of space on the road.

3) More tourists mean more bicyclists and pedestrians. Many visitors enjoy exploring Florida’s natural beauty on foot. This can mean more bicyclists and more pedestrians sharing the roadways with cars, which in turn can lead to more Florida bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents. It is important to be aware of pedestrians and bicyclists – especially those who may not be familiar with local roads.

To drive safely as we share the state with visitors, be sure to put away and distractions before you get in your car and drive defensively. Courteous driving will keep you and your family safer and will also encourage visitors to come back to the state for their next vacation.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

This is the time of year when many families are planning long trips – including loan road trips – for the holidays. If you want to help prevent Florida car accidents and arrive safely, you need to plan ahead. Here’s how:

1) Use online mapping tools to chart your holiday driving plans, especially if the route is not familiar with you. Tools such as Google maps and Google Streetview allow you to envision your route before you go, select different routes, and even estimate how long your drive will take you.

2) Plan to drive well-rested. When deciding on your trip, develop a strategy to ensure that you will not drive fatigued. Fatigued driving causes many Florida pedestrian accidents and traffic accidents each year. Make sure that the day before you leave is not too hectic and you have enough time to get a proper rest. Note hotels and motels along your route, in case you are tired and need a rest. Consider driving with a friend, who can do some of the driving when you get tired.

3) Plan to drive undistracted. Distracted driving causes many Florida truck accidents and car accidents each year. Make sure that you avoid all distractions – such as mobile devices and loud music – while you drive. Turn your phone off before you get in the car, to prevent family members from calling to check where you are on your route.

4) Consider weather past state lines if you are driving outside of Florida for the holidays. If you will be driving well outside the state, you may encounter snowy conditions and ice on the roads. Make sure your vehicle is in good shape and has good snow tires for the journey. Listen to weather reports before you leave and change your plans as needed.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Florida drunk driving accidents are always a concern at this time of year. Police authorities across Florida report an increase in drinking and driving. Many parties serve alcohol at this time of year, increasing the chances that some drivers will make the bad mistake of driving drunk and potentially causing a serious Florida car accident. No matter who you are, there are things you can do to help avert this type of tragedy:

1) Be a responsible party-goer. If you are headed to holiday events, have at least three alternative means of getting home. If you only plan to call a taxi but the taxis are all busy, you may feel stuck. If you have three plans to get home (such as a designated driver, a friend you can call, or public transit) you are more likely to make the smart choice.

2) No matter who you are, have a plan. You may not think you need a plan because you don’t plan to drink this holiday season or don’t plan to serve alcohol. However, it is impossible to predict when and where you may decide to have a cup of good cheer. Even if you don’t think you will be drinking, have at least three ways to get home. If you have children, talk to them about their alternate routes home, even if they are underage. If your underage children drink, you don’t want them getting in the car with an intoxicated driver. Make sure that they know they can call you and other family members for help.

3) Be a responsible host. If you are hosting a party, make sure that you have alternative means of transport for any guests who may drink. Even if you do not plan to serve alcohol, have a plan ready to help out anyone who brings their own drinks. Refuse to let guests drink and drive.

4) Arm yourself with what you need. To get home safely, you need a plan and you need information. If you plan to take public transportation, for example, you will need a route of the bus as well as a ticket or fare. If you plan to take a taxi, you will need to have a way to pay for the taxi. Having everything you need will greatly increase the chances that you will make the right choice.

5) Take part in the efforts of local law enforcement. Law enforcement authorities often launch drunk driving awareness campaigns at this time of year. Learn how you can take part in and support your local campaign. It could help local authorities prevent more Florida drunk driving accidents.

6) Take steps to avert accidents. If you see someone who wants to drive even though they are obviously drunk, intervene if it is someone you know. If you see someone who is weaving on the road or driving in a way that may mean they are drunk, contact local authorities at once. You could save a life.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog