Current NFL Sunday Night Football play-by-play announcer Al Michaels was arrested for driving under the influence Saturday night in California. Michaels, famous for his announcement of the 1980 USA Olympic hockey win over the U.S.S.R., was taken to a Santa Monica City jail where he remained for approximately 5 hours before being released on his own recognizance.
Neither Michaels nor NBC made an immediate comment on the arrest and charges. Michaels is not scheduled for an initial court appearance until late June.
This story broke the same day as news that the bassist for the band 3 Doors Down caused a fatal collision while driving under the influence, highlighting some of the serious consequences of driving impaired.
Arizona suffers as a result of drunk driving collisions every day. Alcohol is a factor in more than 26 percent of all Arizona car crashes and alcohol-related crashes cost the state more than $431 million in 2001. Estimates indicate average alcohol-related fatality costs Arizona $3.3 million including $0.9 million in monetary costs and $2.4 million in quality of life losses.
Unfortunately impaired drivers are not just a hazard to themselves but also pose a significant threat to anyone on the road. Many drunk drivers are repeat offenders and have not been deterred by broad regulations and laws, prompting Arizona to create individualized and tailored punishments for these offenders. The most common alternative sentences for repeat offenders include impoundment of vehicles used to drive while drunk, breath-testing ignition interlocks designed to prevent a car from starting when a driver has a positive blood alcohol content, electronically monitored house arrest as opposed to incarceration, and intensive probation supervision with treatment for substance dependencies.
Though risks include fines and punishment, many Arizona drivers continue to drive impaired. Sober drivers can’t control the condition of other drivers on the road but they can take steps to keep themselves safe. If you notice a driver that appears to be drunk, call the proper authorities immediately and report the behavior. It is always best to prevent a collision whenever possible and law enforcement officers are trained to handle drunk drivers. Be alert while you drive especially during times most associated with drunk driving: weekends, late nights, and holidays. Most importantly, never drive drunk and never let a friend or family member do so. Always designate a driver or take a taxi if you will be drinking.
Arizona citizens are victims of drunk driving crashes every day. These collisions can cause serious injuries and result in permanent physical and mental disabilities or even death. There is never a good reason to drive drunk and it is never necessary to do so. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash with an impaired driver, call the Phoenix car crash attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today. We are available 24 hours a day and you can speak to a lawyer when you call. Let us help you get a financial recovery you deserve for your loss. Call us today at (855) PHX-LAWYER.
Resources:
Legendary sportscaster Al Michaels arrested, charged with DUI, by Mark Morgenstein, CNN, April 21, 2013.
Impaired Driving Statistics, Arizona Department of Transportation.
Prior Blogs:
Driver Hits Bicyclist in Casa Grande, Arizona and Flees the Scene, Phoenix Injury Lawyers Blog, April 20, 2013.
Increase in pedestrian accident fatalities in Arizona and across the Nation, Phoenix Injury Lawyers Blog, March 19, 2013.
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