The laws of driving in Phoenix apply to everyone, whether you are a resident of Arizona or just a visitor. They even apply to former NBA players in the area which may be surprising to Tom Chambers, current Phoenix Suns broadcaster who was arrested last Saturday on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Chambers played in the NBA between 1981 and 1997 with much of his playing time spent in Phoenix. His successes on the court for the Suns led to his jersey being retired and opened the door for Chambers to begin a broadcasting career with the Suns, a position he currently holds.
Scottsdale police have reported that Chambers was driving in North Scottsdale last Saturday night when an officer noticed Chambers’ vehicle failing to stay within a lane of traffic, swerving back and forth across the road and entering a lane marked only for bicycle traffic. An officer pulled over Chambers shortly before 10:00 p.m. and noticed that Chambers’ eyes were bloodshot and there were two beer cans in his vehicle. Chambers allegedly admitting drinking beer while watching the football game between Arizona State and Stanford earlier in the evening but reportedly refused any field sobriety tests.
The responding officer described Chambers as belligerent and yelling at the officer, allegedly yelling “After all I do for the Scottsdale PD” at one point during the traffic stop. Chambers was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and taken into custody where officials took a sample of his blood to test for intoxicants. The results of those tests are not yet known.
Fortunately no collision occurred in this case and no one was injured, but when an intoxicated driver is involved, often others on the road are not that lucky. Drunk and high drivers are more likely to be the cause of accidents than other motorists, which means that impaired drivers are a danger to themselves and to all others on the road. This includes other drivers and passengers, but as this reported incident illustrates, can also include bicyclists. If it is proven that Chambers was under the influence and that he drove in a bicycle lane, it is lucky that a collision with a cyclist did not occur. Accidents between a car and bicycle almost always result in injuries to the cyclist and often lead to the cyclist’s death.
If you have been injured in an accident with a drunk driver, the laws in Phoenix may provide you with the right to bring a claim for your damages and losses. An injury lawyer can help you analyze your accident and understand what legal rights may be available to you.
At Abels & Annes, P.C., we offer a free case consultation to all accident victims who call (855) PHX-LAWYER. We have a lawyer standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call and there is no obligation on your part for taking advantage of the free case consultation. At Abels & Annes, P.C., we fight for victims’ rights every day. Call us now and let us help you.
Prior Blog Entry:
Two Motorcycles Collide in Avondale, 1 Rider Killed, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published December 10, 2013.
Resource:
Suns broadcaster arrested on suspicion of DUI, by Marc Martinez, Fox 10 News, published December 11, 2013.
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