DUI Lawyers

DUI Lawyers are always thinking about traffic, winter storms, and accidents. With warmer weather often comes an increase in the number of drunk driving cases seen across the country. In response, law enforcement agencies from Utah, Idaho and Nevada have teamed up to enforce drunk driving laws across state boundaries. The so-called borderless enforcement is aimed at preventing drunk drivers from getting behind the wheel.

According to one law enforcement official, “Our goal is to keep people from driving if they shouldn’t be. If getting the message out accomplishes that and we have fewer DUI arrests as a result, all the better.”

Summer Months Bring Increased DUI Enforcement Across State Lines

Typically, drunk driving and drunk driving arrests rise during the summer months. Law enforcement officers also tend to notice an increase around holidays, including the Fourth of July. As a result, police officers have added patrols during these periods.

The state agencies began working together during the last weekend of June, the weekend immediately before the holiday. Thirteen agencies from the three states have combined efforts, representing a larger scale collaboration than is typically seen. Although thus far unusual, law enforcement officers note that, “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been encouraging this concept.”

With Fourth of July celebrations expected to continue into the upcoming weekend, it is important for those enjoying the time off to drive responsibly. Of course, the best approach if you have been drinking is to call a taxi or designate a sober driver. But, for those who have been charged with drunk driving, finding a skilled DUI attorney is the first step in establishing a strong defense.

Vehicle’s Emergency Kits

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) driving a vehicle  is probably the most dangerous mode of transportation. Especially when you consider that in 2007, approximately 6.2 million motor vehicle crashes and over 41,000 traffic fatalities were reported to police. This makes up an average of 112 lives lost per day due to car accidents in the United States.

If you’ve ever been involved in a car accident you know your whole life flashes before your eyes, and typically, it’s difficult to think clearly because you’re in shock. This is precisely why it is so important to know what to do in order to protect your rights if you’re involved in an auto accident. We also believe it is very important to have and be familiar with an emergency kit containing the following items in case of a collision.

Vehicle’s emergency kit:

• A cell phone
• Pen and paper
• Your medical information-including any prescription drugs, allergies or medical conditions
• A list of emergency contacts
• Reflective cones and/or warning flares
• A first aid kit
• Your vehicle’s insurance card
• The name and number for your PI attorney

Of course we all try to drive safe but it’s imposable to know when an accident will take place; therefore being prepared is imperative. We understand that many factors can contribute to an auto accident such as drivers talking on cell phones, speeding, texting, reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signals, defective vehicles, and other factors like use of drugs and alcohol. When you consider all of the dangers on the road, you can understand why it’s smart to be prepared.

If you are involved in an auto accident you should immediately follow these safety steps:

• Attempt to compose yourself by taking a few deep breaths
• Assess yourself for injuries (note that not all injuries are visible)
• Decide if it’s safe to exit your vehicle
• If you’re injured or if you can’t get out of your car
• Keep your seat belt fastened
• Switch on your hazard lights
• Call 911 immediately and give the emergency dispatcher this information:
  • Your name and phone number (in case authorities need to reach you)
  • As much detail as you can about the accident, for example, how many vehicles and people are involved, any medical emergencies or immediate dangers
  • Give your exact location-the city, street name, nearest intersection and direction
  • And finally, stay on the line until the dispatcher has all of the information they need to locate you
• Wait for emergency response to arrive

If you are uninjured and the collision is minor:

• Turn off your car’s engine
• Get your emergency car kit
• Place reflective warning cones or emergency flares around the accident site to alert oncoming traffic

Free Consultation with DUI Lawyers

If you need legal help with a DUI in Utah, please give our office a call for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.