Drunk driving is a problem in Phoenix as well as across the state of Arizona, leading to thousands of accidents and causing thousands of injuries every year. Despite how dangerous it is to operate a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, it continues to happen with some people admitting to driving drunk on a regular basis.
Police officers have devised a plan to help decrease drunk driving by increasing police presence and ramp up the observations needed to identify drunk drivers. This state-wide initiative has an official start date of December 3 and an end date of January 1, 2014 but some agencies have indicated that they will start the increased patrols this week.
Motorists in these areas may notice a greater number of marked police cars on the streets, at intersections, and in parking lots, monitoring traffic and attempting to identify those under the influence. When a drunk driver is identified, that driver may face a traffic citation or a criminal charge, depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. These drivers that are cited may be the lucky ones among those driving drunk, though, as drunk drivers who cause accidents are likely to be punished much more harshly, especially if the accident results in serious injury or death. And the punishment leveled by the State of Arizona may just be the beginning as drunk drivers can be held financially liable for the damages they cause as well.
Though there may be an increased attempt to apprehend drunk drivers over the next six weeks, drivers should be aware that police look for and attempt to deter drunk driving every day of the year and that drunk drivers can receive significant penalties and punishments regardless of when they are caught. It is never worth the risk to drive drunk and anyone who consumes alcohol should consider using alternative transportation afterwards, whether that is a designated driver, public transportation, or a taxi cab.
Ideally, every driver would make the smart and legal choice and would never drive drunk, regardless of the reason, but since this is not the case in Arizona, drunk driving will continue to cause accidents that injure others. When this happens, Arizona law provides an accident victim with the ability to bring a claim against the drunk driver that caused the crash, letting the victim recover for his or her medical bills, pain and suffering, and any wages the victim was unable to earn while hurt.
Each accident is different and the resulting legal cases vary as well. That is why our legal team offers free case consultations to all injury victims who call us at (855) PHX-LAWYER or (602) 819-5191. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day to take your call and we will never charge a fee unless we make a recovery on your behalf. Call us today to make sure your rights are protected.
Prior Blog Entry:
San Tan Valley Rollover Crash Kills Driver, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published November 19, 2013.
Resource:
Ariz. crackdown on drunken driving starts Dec. 3, Fox 10 Phoenix, published November 22, 2013.