While some laws are the same regarding DUIs among each state, the penalties can differ. For example, the drinking age in every state is 21. The legal limit in every state is 0.08%. After that, the penalties can vary greatly. For example, Wyoming, the state with the highest DUI death rate, requires a license suspension after the first DUI. Montana has the second highest DUI death rate. The states with the least number of DUI fatalities may be surprising. New Jersey has the least DUI fatalities and New York comes in at number two.
According to WJCT, drunk driving deaths are down in Florida. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says there were 3,133 people killed in car accidents in Florida during 2018. Of those, 814 were related to drunk driving.
The previous year, of the 3,116 deaths, 841 were alcohol related. Both numbers decreased compared to 2017.
According to the NHTSA, drunken driving fatalities as a whole are down nationwide. A report showed a 3.6% decrease, which is the lowest number since the agency started keeping records of alcohol-related traffic deaths in 1982.
Although this is a promising statistic, it bears keeping in mind that drunken driving is still a major hazard, claiming over 10,500 lives annually.
In order to combat driving that is impaired by alcohol or drugs, the NHTSA gave away more than $100,000 to states through the Governors Highway Safety Association. The money is being used by law enforcement agencies to provide training for officers to be better able to recognize the signs of drunken driving.
Wearing a Seat Belt Prevents Many Injuries for Florida Drivers Failure to wear a seat belt contributes to more fatalities than any other traffic safety-related behavior. A study done in 2010 showed that 63% of people killed in car accidents were not wearing seat belts. The National Highway Safety Administration estimates that seat belts save 15,000 lives each year. No amount of safe driving practices,...
Importance of Child Safety Restraint Laws The death of a Florida toddler that took place near the intersection of Fowler Street and Market Street serves as a harsh reminder of the importance of abiding by child safety restraint laws in Florida and throughout this nation. As we reported on this fatal Fort Myers car crash in our news section, we would...
Florida has a Move Over law Have you ever zoomed by a car or a crash on the side of the highway without slowing down or moving over a lane? Many of us have; however, Florida has a Move Over law in place, and motorists are required to move over one lane if an emergency vehicle is on the side of...
To Ban or Not to Ban? This is the Question Facing Florida Legislatures While it already may not make sense that Florida is one of the few states without a cell phone/texting ban while driving, it should make less sense now. The Sun Sentinel recently released a report indicating that, in several Florida cities and counties, fatal Florida car crashes took place due to careless and distracted driving....
When Are You Required to Report an Auto Accident in Florida? If a car accident occurs and damages a vehicle (or other property) but does not require a police report (see criteria below), the driver of any vehicle involved in the collision must report the accident within the 10 days following the crash. This written report must be provided via a law-enforcement-approved form. When an Auto...
Should I Get a Lawyer for a Hit and Run in Florida? You should consider getting a lawyer for a hit and run in Florida, as they may provide several valuable benefits. Following a hit and run accident, you may hire a lawyer to protect your rights and handle your insurance claim or lawsuit. This could ultimately grant you the compensation you need to cover the cost...
What Happens If Your Uber Driver Gets Into An Accident In Florida? If your Uber driver gets into an accident in Florida, it is possible that they may be liable for your damages. Initially, we would seek compensation through your Florida no-fault insurance policy. However, if your damages exceed the $10,000 maximum coverage allowable under a Florida no-fault policy, we would then seek compensation from the at-fault...
What If You’re in an Accident With an Uninsured Driver? If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, don’t assume you have no options. In fact, you have several possible paths to compensation—insurance claims, lawsuits against the driver, or even cases against additional liable parties. Our Fort Lauderdale uninsured motorist accident lawyer can help you decide which path is right for you. Call Your...
