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An individual is putting their life as well as the lives of others at risk when they operate a motor vehicle while using their cell phones or manipulating other types of electronic devices. They are also doing so when they drive drunk or while under the influence of illegal drugs. When an individual drives while taking specific types of physician-prescribed medication, they may also be placing their and other people’s lives in danger.
The Issue of Distracted Driving
Recent reports indicate that 660,000 drivers continue to either use their cell phones or manipulate various types of electronic devices when operating their vehicles. This is referred to as a type of distracted driving, and can result in someone causing or otherwise being involved in an accident. If someone is driving while distracted, they may not notice pedestrians and cyclists. It’s also likely that these individuals may miss stop signs and traffic light signals as well as obstructions in the road.
The Issue of Drunk Driving
Most states consider a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher to exceed the legal limit for operating a motor vehicle. Oregon, for example, is one of the states that prohibits this. Despite this fact, people continue to drive their vehicles while over the legal limit. On a daily basis, this amounts to 300,000 individuals. Less than 4,000 are arrested for doing so, however.
When someone drives drunk on a regular basis, it will usually take an average of 80 times before they are arrested for the first time. It’s important to note that 17% of the alcohol-related crashes that result in fatalities involve drunk drivers under 21 year of age.
The Issue of Driving Under the Influence of Legal and Illegal Drugs
According to a 2012 report that addressed driving under the influence of illicit drugs, there were 10.3 million individuals that claimed to do so in 2011. While these individuals may have experienced different levels of impairment, the fact remains that they were putting their and other people’s lives at risk.
Since many physician-prescribed medications can cause drowsiness or other issues, it’s important to refrain from operating a vehicle when indicated. Even though these may be legal substances and prescribed by a physician, an individual may face legal issues when they ignore these directives. This is particularly the case when they are involved in an accident that results in someone being injured or suffering a wrongful death.
Contact an Attorney for a Consultation
If you have legal questions, such as knowing what to do when facing a DUI charge, it is advisable to consult with an attorney. Once you speak with an attorney at a DUI law firm, for instance, they will be able to answer this and other questions. In the event that you want to challenge any charges that may have been brought against you, an attorney will be able to discuss this with you at length. Your attorney may be able to recommend other courses of action such as participating in a DUI diversion program.
