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As we move toward the Memorial Holiday weekend, law enforcement in North Carolina is working on its plans for summer enforcement of the state’s drunk driving laws. North Carolina law allows authorities to conduct checkpoints aimed at catching drivers who are allegedly driving while impaired. Often, the state may bring in what many North Carolina residents recognize as the BATMobile, a mobile unit with breath testing machines, and facilities that include the availability of an on-site magistrate to process DWI charges.

North Carolina officials say that the Highway Patrol and other agencies, including the Wildlife Resources Commission and the Division of Alcohol Law Enforcement, will be setting up DWI checkpoints near parks and water recreation areas across the state during the summer months.

Enforcement efforts will be especially focused on the three big summer holidays, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day. Each year, the state runs DWI enforcement campaigns during the holidays, as well as at random times throughout the year.

Later this month, state officials plan to kick-off the summer DWI enforcement season surrounding the Memorial Day weekend. The campaign, dubbed “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive,” is slated for kick-off May 24. Needless to say, DWI checkpoints and saturation patrols may arise in other areas not associated with parks and recreational areas.

Troopers and other law enforcement agents plan to set up sobriety checkpoints to enforce DWI laws. However, followers of this blog may recognize that a wide variety of allegations can arise during a DWI checkpoint, ranging from a variety of alleged traffic offenses, to allegations of felony-level offenses as cars pass through a checkpoint.

Years ago, the United States Supreme Court ruled that sobriety checkpoints do not necessarily violate the constitutional guarantees prohibiting unreasonable government intrusion. However, the high court did not suggest that DWI checkpoints can never be individually found to be unconstitutional.

The justices say that a checkpoint can become overly intrusive to the level of a constitutional violation if conducted without proper safeguards to protect individual rights. Any constitutional level issue may involve complex legal principles. A person accused of a crime may speak with a criminal defense lawyer for assistance in defending against the charge.

Source: The Herald-Sun, “Highway Patrol plans DWI checkpoints near boating areas,” Keith Upchurch, May 13, 2013

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

The summer heat can increase the risk of Fort Lauderdale car accidents. There are many reasons for this:

1) Heat can harm drivers. High heat and bright sun can be a distraction for drivers and can even make it harder to see the road. In some cases, heat can also cause medical problems or can exacerbate fatigue, leading to Fort Lauderdale traffic accidents. If you will be driving in hot weather, it is important to wear sunscreen, carry a bottle of water, and keep the air conditioning on. If your vehicle does not have air conditioning, crack your windows before you drive. Use sunglasses to cut the glare. If you experience the symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke – fatigue, cramps, headaches, dizziness, clammy skin – stop driving and get to a cool location. Drink water and get professional medical help if the symptoms are serious.

2) Heat is bad for cars and electronics. High temperatures can cause your car to overheat and can also wreak havoc with electronics in your car. If you need to drive in hot weather, be prepared to park in indoor parking garages or in the shade to give your car a break. Take mobile devices and electronics with you when you leave the car.

3) Summer weather causes tire problems. High heat can affect the air pressure in tires. In some cases, flats and blowouts can be caused by high temperatures, so it is important to check the wear and tear on your tires and inflate them correctly before a trip. If you ride a bicycle, pay extra attention to the tire condition and air pressure of your bicycle tires, too, to avoid a Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident.

4) High heat can cause problems with infrastructures. Pavement can expand in high heat, causing roadways to crack, buckle and even melt, all of which can lead to Fort Lauderdale truck accidents and car accidents. On railroad tracks, high temperatures can lead to heat kinks, which can cause derailments and Fort Lauderdale train accidents.

5) High temperatures can be deadly for children and pets left in a car. According to KidsAndCars.org, an average of 38 children die each year across the country because they are left or forgotten in a hot car. Even with the windows open a crack and even in the shade, a car can reach dangerous temperatures in just minutes on a hot day. In some cases, parents simply forget about a child in the car, leading to a tragedy. Make it a habit to quickly check front and back seats each time you exit the car to prevent this from happening to you.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Summer is a great time to pack up the car and hit the road. Many Floridians are choosing road trips over more complicated air travel due to costs. A car is a great way to explore the state and regions across the US, but road trips can lead to Miami car accidents. To avoid a Florida car collision, make sure that you:

1) Plan a sober trip. Miami drunk driving accidents are still a major cause of fatalities and on a road trip it can be tempting to unwind after a long day of driving with a beer. Designate a driver or resolve to avoid drinking until you get to your destination.

2) Bring the right number of passengers. An extra passenger or two can actually help you prevent a Miami traffic accident by taking over the driving when you are tired. An extra passenger can also take over reading the directions and street signs, so that you can focus on driving rather than trying to find your destination. However, too many passengers can be a distraction. Aim for one or two passengers per car.

3) Be careful about overloading the car, especially in ways that obscure visibility. Putting too much in your car can overload the tires and make you more prone to tire blow outs. Passenger cars that are overburdened with extra weight can also handle less easily. Just as overloaded trucks are more prone to Miami truck accidents, too heavy cars can also be more at risk. Adding a trailer is not necessarily safer, either, since a trailer poses its own risks. Where possible, aim to travel light. Try to place as many items as possible in the trunk of the car, where they will not obstruct your ability to see out the windows of your car. Keeping items in your car can also prove dangerous if you are in a car accident and the items become airborne. In this situation, any items in your car can cause Miami brain injuries and other serious injuries as they become projectiles.

4) Plan to drive distraction-free. Either plan your route ahead of time or have a passenger take care of guiding you. Checking your GPS or a map while driving is dangerous. Turn off your cell phone and mobile device before you start to drive and pull over if you need to check a map.

5) Plan ahead to stop and take rests. Professional truck drivers know that fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of Miami truck accidents. Driving too long before taking a break can cause you to drift off at the wheel. Make sure that you plan your route so that there are places to stop for a coffee and a stretch. At night, check in somewhere where you can get a good night’s sleep so that you can continue on your way refreshed and safe.

6) Get your car tuned up before you go. Mechanical failure on the road can delay your trip. More seriously, losing control of your car because something goes wrong with your brakes or tires can cause a Miami pedestrian accident or traffic accident. Take care of any problems with your car before you go.

7) Get yourself prepared to drive comfortably. Driving long distances is physically taxing. Keep water and chewing gum in your car, as well as a sweater and sunglasses. Make sure that you have these items so that you can stay comfortable and focused on the road rather than distracted by your own discomfort.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

North Carolina law enforcement officials say that May marks the opening of the “busiest travel periods of the year.” In addition to an increase in travel, authorities say that May is the month in which law enforcement will seek to increase awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving.

Agencies across the state will be participating in an initiative that will use resources of the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Wildlife Resources Commission and Alcohol Law Enforcement agents to enforce North Carolina law prohibiting driving while impaired that begins this month.

The DWI law enforcement operation is called “On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive.” Most drivers in North Carolina are aware that agencies across the state often use saturation patrols and DWI checkpoints among other strategies seeking to uncover evidence that a driver may be impaired while on the road.

But during operation On the Road, On the Water, Don’t Drink and Drive, law enforcement agencies will conduct DWI checkpoints near recreational boating areas during the summer months, with a special focus on noted summer holiday periods. However, the summer DWI enforcement initiative does not mean that all DWI saturation patrols and DWI checkpoints will be utilized only near recreational boating areas.

North Carolina officials say that the big summer holiday periods surrounding Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day will see special consideration. But, with Cinco de Mayo and the Kentucky Derby falling on the same weekend this year, motorists can probably expect to see North Carolina DWI law enforcement efforts cropping up all across the state.

DWI charges can result in harsh consequences for a driver, if the person accused of drunk driving is later convicted. It is important to consider speaking with an experienced Pitt County DWI defense lawyer as soon as possible after a DWI arrest to learn what legal defenses may be available in a specific set of circumstances.

Source: News & Observer, “State DWI campaign to target drivers, boaters,” May 4, 2012

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

The end of summer is usually accompanied by increased law enforcement activities in North Carolina surrounding the Labor Day holiday. This year is no different as law enforcement agencies across the state continue to ramp up the statewide “Booze it and Lose it” anti-DWI campaign. Police agencies kicked off the campaign August 19 as part of the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. Increased DWI checkpoints and saturation patrols are expected to continue statewide through the Labor Day holiday.

Students attending college in North Carolina can be wound up in celebrating the new school year. North Carolina students who are from out-of-state may not be aware that North Carolina is one of the two states in the nation that consider individuals age 16 and older to be adults for the purposes of criminal charges. While many states proceed with DWI cases in adult court, North Carolina law allows for any criminal charges to be filed in adult court for defendants age 16 and older.

One of the state’s institutions of higher learning has already engaged in conducting a DWI checkpoint under the Governor’s Highway Safety Program. North Carolina State campus police teamed up with Raleigh Police Department on August 19. The campus police often support DWI checkpoints around the campus that are conducted by the Sheriff’s Department.

Notably, many college students are under the age of 21. Under North Carolina law there is a zero tolerance policy for underage DUI. Any measurable amount of alcohol on a driver’s breath can lead to underage drunk driving charges in the state.

Source: Technician Online, “‘Booze it and lose it’ aims to reduce drunken driving,” Joshua Chappell, Aug. 24, 2011

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

During the summer months, most police authorities crack down on dangerous driving and on traffic risks. It’s no coincidence: research has suggested that summer months are more dangerous in terms of Florida car accidents. There are many risks in the summer months that can lead to car accidents:

1) Heavier Traffic. During the summer months, teens are home for the summer – and behind the wheel. As well, more people take advantage of vacations and the nice weather to go on long-distance road trips. In Florida, tourists flock to major cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, creating even more congestion on the roads. As well, tourists and residents alike head out for walks to take in all the Florida summer activities, increasing the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents.

2) Road work. Summer months are also often the time for repaving and other road work and construction. This can create new obstacles on the roads and can lead to accidents. It’s a good idea to keep aware of construction and road work in your area through apps or news reports. That way, you can plan ahead and maybe even avoid these higher-risk areas.

3) Tires can deteriorate faster in hot weather. Florida’s famously hot summers are not good news for tires. Hot pavement and sand can make tires wear down more quickly (especially with all those extra road trips). The problem can be even more dangerous if tires have any small defects. Check the age of your tires and go online to see if the tires you are using now have been recalled or have any safety problems. If your tires are getting worn, summer is a good time to change your tires.

4) The effects of hot weather and sun can have a negative impact on drivers. Hot, sunny weather can be distracting and can make drivers feel sleepy and drowsy behind the wheel. In extreme cases, very sunny weather can make it hard to see or can lead to dehydration or sun stroke. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses for your car and wear them behind the wheel to maintain good visibility in the summer and stay hydrated. If you feel unwell, get medical attention and avoid driving until you are given the all-clear.

5) More Florida drunk driving accidents. Summertime events can mean alcohol and that can mean more Florida drunk driving accidents, especially around holidays such as the Fourth of July. If you see someone you believe is driving erratically, call authorities to help prevent an accident. If you have been drinking yourself (even a drink or two) do not get behind the wheel.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

In 2008, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that Florida led the US in bicycle accidents. Although the numbers of bicycle accident fatalities in the state has been dropping slowly since 1991, the state still sees many such accidents and according to at least one Florida newspaper, twenty percent of traffic fatalities in five Florida countries (Broward County, Indian River County, Martin County, Palm Beach County, and St. Lucie County) in 2009 were attributed to pedestrian and bicycle accidents.

There are many things that cause Florida car accidents involving bicyclists. One problem is that there are many motorists and many bicycle enthusiasts in Florida, which means two very different types of vehicles sharing the road. Some counties have been trying to build more bicycle-only paths and lanes to keep bicyclists and cars apart. In May 2011, for example, Pinellas and Hillsborough counties proposed a new trail for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-car traffic.

The summer is an especially dangerous time for Florida bicycle accidents. More cyclists take the opportunity to head outside and more tourists can mean more car traffic in Florida, as well. Vacations and time away from work also mean more chances for people to hop into their cars or on their bikes, meaning more traffic. Luckily, we can all work together to prevent Florida car accidents and bike accidents this summer.

Bicyclists can help by riding safe. That means riding on bicycle trails or bike lanes where possible. When no such options are available, it is safest for bicyclists to ride with the flow of traffic on the far right, closest to the right hand side of the street. Bicyclists can also wear reflective clothing, maintain good eye contact with drivers around them, and use hand signals to ensure that drivers are aware of their intended direction.

Motorists can help by staying alert for bicyclists. In many car accidents involving passenger cars, motorists claim that they simply did not see a bicyclist in time. Stay alert when passing popular areas for bicyclists and never drive in the bicycle lane. Give bicyclists plenty of room and become familiar with the hand signals that bicyclists to indicate turns.

Both bicyclists and motorists can avoid traffic accidents by driving sober and alert. While motorists tend to be the focus of awareness campaigns, both bicyclists and motorists are dangerous on the road when driving under the influence or when driving tired. Both on a bike and in a car, you need good response times and a good focus. If you are tired or intoxicated, take a cab or get a friend to drive you safely home.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog

The Century Council is proud to partner with DC Scores for the 2011 Couch to Camp Summer Campaign. There will be camps taking place this Summer at Kelly Miller Middle School in Lincoln Heights, H.D. Cooke Elementary School in Adams Morgan, Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Columbia Heights, all in Washington, DC.

Summertime can be a high risk time for youth, Couch to Camp is designed to keep DC’s youth active during these months. Couch to Camp provides kids an opportunity to play soccer, stay active, build teamwork and get healthy snacks, in a safe environment!

The Century Council will be visiting the camps in the coming weeks, so please keep an eye on our blog for more details, pictures, and updates!

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

Florida drunk driving accidents are a highly preventable cause of injuries and fatalities year round, but there are certain hazards that make drunk driving even more of a menace during the summer:

1) Summer holidays. College kids are home from school and the summer is filled with long weekends and holidays, leading to parties where alcohol is served. Many police departments set up road checks and sobriety checks during holidays, knowing that more people choose to drink and drive during holiday weekends.

2) Summer barbecues and cookouts. Summer is a time for having a beer by the lake or a few cold ones with a barbecue. Unfortunately, Florida car accidents sometimes happen when someone decides to drive after drinking. In many cases, the driver is not even aware that they are over the legal limit because they have only had a small amount of alcohol. It’s best to avoid driving even if you have had only one or two drinks.

3) More cars on the road. During the summer, there are more cars on Florida’s roads. Tourists arrive for the season, more parents are shuttling children to summer events, and students home from college are driving on the roads as well. More crowded roads and drinking and driving are a terrible mix, making a car accident more likely.

4) Heat and sunlight. Bright light and heat enhance the soporific effects of alcohol, making it even more likely that someone who has been drinking will fall asleep or have trouble concentrating behind the wheel. For this reason, it is very important to avoid driving, even if you have had only a small number of drinks.

5) Cabins and vacation homes. At this time of year, many people open their cottages, cabins, and vacation homes for entertainment. When alcohol is served at these parties, it can be a problem, as vacation homes are often far from public transit or taxi stands, making it hard to get home safely after drinking. For this reason, it is important to have a plan in place ahead of time to get home safely.

Florida Car Accident Lawyer Blog