Item: Flaxman Law Group
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Author: Clara Barman

Concerns About Florida Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: August 2, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

There is no doubt that Florida drunk driving accidents are a serious concern. Each year, these very preventable accidents claim far too many lives. However, there are concerns about certain practices and realities, which can help contribute to these types of Florida car accidents.

For example, while driving is said to be a privilege, some experts are concerned about the ways that multiple offenders are allowed to keep their driving privileges. Some families who lose a loved one to drunk driving are surprised to find that a driver with a record of DUI arrests is permitted to keep driving. While driving suspensions for DUI cases are common, these suspensions are virtually always temporary. After some weeks or months, the driver is allowed back on the road, even if they have repeatedly shown themselves to make the wrong decisions about drinking and driving. One problem is that driving is now accepted as a necessity rather than a privilege. Many people rely on driving a car in order to get to work or to run everyday errands. As a result, taking away driving privileges becomes a severe hardship and few are willing to suspend a license permanently. However, it does mean that DUI drivers with long track records of accidents are allowed behind the wheel again and again.

Another issue is the increasing number of places where alcohol is sold. Some advocates are worried about the places where alcoholic beverages can be purchased. As a result of the economic downturn, for example, many fast food restaurants have added alcoholic beverages to their options. Some Burger King restaurants, Sonic locations, Chipotle, and Starbucks locations offer alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine. Other chains have plans to add alcohol to their menus. Critics believe that such a move can help contribute to drunk driving, since in many cases people drive to these restaurants.

Another common problem is alternatives available for those who wish to make responsible decisions. Florida has many large cities, including Miami and For Lauderdale, which tend to have large public transit systems and many transportation options. Getting home safely in these cities is often quite simple. In more remote and urban areas, however, taxi cabs and buses may not be as readily available. As well, many people hesitate to take public transportation, since that often means having to return for their car the next day – at an added cost. Leaving a car overnight can also lead to a parking ticket and taxis home can be expensive. During holidays, there are free ride-home programs available, but during the rest of the summer such services are not available. Some critics say that more needs to be done to make it easier for drivers to make the right decisions after drinking.

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Can Businesses Help Prevent Florida Drunk Driving Accidents?

Published on: July 28, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many businesses, including bars and restaurants, rely on alcohol for business. However, these businesses also face legal problems is their patrons cause an accident while driving home drunk. As a result, many businesses in Florida have been working to help prevent Florida drunk driving accidents in a number of ways:

1) Taxi services. Many businesses set up free taxi phones or offer to call taxis for patrons who have been drinking. In many cases, businesses may even be able to get referral dollars for patrons recommended to a taxi company.

2) Be My Designated Driver services. In the Tampa Bay area, a number of restaurant and bars are trying out this new service. Be My Designated Driver is a company that works with teams of drivers. When a patron has had too much to drink, one driver from Be My Designated Driver takes the patron home and the other driver takes the patron’s car home. That way, instead of driving drunk, the patron is taken home safely and does not need to drive back to get their car. The service has a flat fee as well as a mileage fee, but is generally less expensive than taking two taxis.

3) Designated driver benefits. Some bars around the country offer free non-alcoholic beverages or other small incentives to any designated driver, thereby providing extra reason for one member of a group to stay sober to get everyone safely home.

4) All-night parking. After drinking at a bar, many patrons are willing to take a taxi home but are worried about their cars. Some bars make it easy to leave a car overnight, ensuring that drivers can make a responsible decision without having to worry about a parking ticket or towing costs.

5) In-business breathalyzers. Some bars and dance clubs offer breathalyzer machines, where patrons can test their state before making a decision to drink and drive. Often, the machines are very colorful and make responsible choices fun.

6) Business partnerships. Some bars and clubs team up with taxi companies or other businesses to ensure that patrons have ready access to a safe ride home. When patrons can step outside and find a cab waiting, it can be a little easier to make a safe decision. In wine country, vineyards and restaurants have their own fleets of cars or drivers to ensure that everyone gets home safely.

7) Ads and social pressure. Many bars and clubs have ads prompting responsible drinking. In fact, many breweries create coasters and other items with “responsible drinking” messages, to encourage everyone to make safer choices. In addition, many bars and clubs take their responsibilities seriously. Where alcohol is served, staff are expected to ask for ID of anyone who looks underage and must stop serving alcohol to anyone who is inebriated. Many bars and clubs keep a close eye on patrons to ensure that they have all the tools they need to make safe choices about getting home safely.

8) Support for organizations that promote safe driving. Many businesses support organizations such as MADD, which work to raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that this year 10,839 Americans will die in drunk driving accidents. This adds up to one fatality every 50 minutes. Many businesses are working to change these numbers.

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Florida Drunk Driving Accidents are Not the Only DUI Concern

Published on: July 7, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida drunk driving accidents are a tragic and very preventable type of collision – a type of collision that claims far too many lives each year. However, studies suggest that an increasing number of drivers are not only driving under the influence of alcohol, but also under the influence of drugs. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the number of fatal car accidents involving drugs rather than alcohol increased 55% between 1999 and 2009. Each year in California, about 1000 car accidents are attributed to drivers driving under the influence of drugs.

The most common drugs used before driving included marijuana, although car accidents caused by DUI can be caused by an array of both legal and illegal drugs. According to government statistics, 16% of drivers stopped in random checks across the US were found to be impaired by illegal or legal drugs. About 50% of these drivers were driving under the influence of marijuana. According to experts, drivers in 33% of fatal car accidents are under the influence of drugs at the time of the collision. In comparison, alcohol was a factor in 32% of fatal car accidents in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one major problem with drugged drivers is that there are no clear rules and standards about drugs and impairment. While blood alcohol level can be measured accurately and while there are standards for what constitutes impaired driving with alcohol, no such standards exist with drugs. Agencies do not have standards for what amounts of drugs impair a driver.

Police officers can administer a test that examines coordination, pupil dilation, blood pressure, pulse, and other factors. This can help determine impairment. But it does not help drivers determine what drugs and in what quantities constitute impairment. Worse, some drugs – even legal or over-the-counter drugs – may react with one another, leading to impairment. Some drugs, notably marijuana, may linger in the system for days or even weeks, making it even harder to set firm standards for impairment. Thirteen states currently have zero-tolerance laws for driving drugged. However, this also causes legal headaches, as marijuana and its effects on the body are less well understood than alcohol.

Another problem is that while there has been a great deal of education about the dangers of drunk driving, there has been relatively little information about drug use and driving. Agencies such as MADD have done admirable work in educating drivers about the dangers of drinking. However, many drivers do not consider medications, over the counter medications, and other drugs when making the decision to drive.

Currently, a number of studies are underway to help authorities better understand drugs and the effects of different drugs on driving impairment. As well, a number of agencies, including the National Institute of Drug Abuse, the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, are creating educational resources to raise awareness about the issue. The hope is that researchers will eventually be able to develop a simple test – similar to the breathalyzer – to help authorities accurately analyze impairment from drugs. However, such a test may still be many years away.

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Do You Have Your Fourth of July Contingency Plan Ready to Help Prevent Florida Car Accidents?

Published on: June 30, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

The Fourth of July is rapidly approaching and most people this week will be solidifying their plans for a successful Independence Day weekend. The perfect Fourth of July weekend usually includes a barbecue, a party, and some fireworks. However, it is also a time when many Florida drunk driving accidents happen. Even if you do not plan on drinking, it is important to develop a contingency plan now. That way, if you are offered beer or find yourself choosing to drink this holiday weekend, you will have a plan in place to get some safely. Here’s how to create your plan:

1) Write down your plans for the weekend so that you can plan ahead. Will you be far from home this holiday weekend? Will you need to travel from one party to the next? Who will accompany you to the party? Is there anyone who can be a designated driver? Working things out on paper allows you to notice any problems areas and any parts of your plan that need some work.

2) Once you know where you will be for the weekend, create a list of taxi cab companies, bus routes, 24-hour events and restaurants, and hotels in the area. You can also bring a mobile device so that you have this information at your fingertips. Even if you plan on not drinking and have a designated driver, you need to have a plan B and a plan C in case you do find yourself drinking and unable to get home safely.

3) Make a list of all the ways you could avoid drinking and driving on the Fourth of July, and be sure to bring a list of everyone you could phone to get a safe ride home. Be sure to bring enough money for taxis or buses and tuck this information into your wallet.

4) Check online to find out what public transportation will be available on the Fourth of July and print out any information you need. Many communities make alternative forms of transportation available over the holiday weekend.

5) If you have teen drivers in your home, have them sign a pledge not to drink and drive and make sure that they have a plan for getting home safely during the holiday weekend.

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Why Florida Car Accidents May be a Bigger Risk in the Summer

Published on: June 21, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

During the summer months, most police authorities crack down on dangerous driving and on traffic risks. It’s no coincidence: research has suggested that summer months are more dangerous in terms of Florida car accidents. There are many risks in the summer months that can lead to car accidents:
1) Heavier Traffic. During the summer months, teens are home for the summer – and behind the wheel. As well, more people take advantage of vacations and the nice weather to go on long-distance road trips. In Florida, tourists flock to major cities such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale, creating even more congestion on the roads. As well, tourists and residents alike head out for walks to take in all the Florida summer activities, increasing the risk of Florida pedestrian accidents.

2) Road work. Summer months are also often the time for repaving and other road work and construction. This can create new obstacles on the roads and can lead to accidents. It’s a good idea to keep aware of construction and road work in your area through apps or news reports. That way, you can plan ahead and maybe even avoid these higher-risk areas.

3) Tires can deteriorate faster in hot weather. Florida’s famously hot summers are not good news for tires. Hot pavement and sand can make tires wear down more quickly (especially with all those extra road trips). The problem can be even more dangerous if tires have any small defects. Check the age of your tires and go online to see if the tires you are using now have been recalled or have any safety problems. If your tires are getting worn, summer is a good time to change your tires.

4) The effects of hot weather and sun can have a negative impact on drivers. Hot, sunny weather can be distracting and can make drivers feel sleepy and drowsy behind the wheel. In extreme cases, very sunny weather can make it hard to see or can lead to dehydration or sun stroke. Invest in a good pair of sunglasses for your car and wear them behind the wheel to maintain good visibility in the summer and stay hydrated. If you feel unwell, get medical attention and avoid driving until you are given the all-clear.

5) More Florida drunk driving accidents. Summertime events can mean alcohol and that can mean more Florida drunk driving accidents, especially around holidays such as the Fourth of July. If you see someone you believe is driving erratically, call authorities to help prevent an accident. If you have been drinking yourself (even a drink or two) do not get behind the wheel.

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Why Summer Barbecues Can Mean More Florida Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: May 3, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Florida drunk driving accidents are a highly preventable cause of injuries and fatalities year round, but there are certain hazards that make drunk driving even more of a menace during the summer:

1) Summer holidays. College kids are home from school and the summer is filled with long weekends and holidays, leading to parties where alcohol is served. Many police departments set up road checks and sobriety checks during holidays, knowing that more people choose to drink and drive during holiday weekends.

2) Summer barbecues and cookouts. Summer is a time for having a beer by the lake or a few cold ones with a barbecue. Unfortunately, Florida car accidents sometimes happen when someone decides to drive after drinking. In many cases, the driver is not even aware that they are over the legal limit because they have only had a small amount of alcohol. It’s best to avoid driving even if you have had only one or two drinks.

3) More cars on the road. During the summer, there are more cars on Florida’s roads. Tourists arrive for the season, more parents are shuttling children to summer events, and students home from college are driving on the roads as well. More crowded roads and drinking and driving are a terrible mix, making a car accident more likely.

4) Heat and sunlight. Bright light and heat enhance the soporific effects of alcohol, making it even more likely that someone who has been drinking will fall asleep or have trouble concentrating behind the wheel. For this reason, it is very important to avoid driving, even if you have had only a small number of drinks.

5) Cabins and vacation homes. At this time of year, many people open their cottages, cabins, and vacation homes for entertainment. When alcohol is served at these parties, it can be a problem, as vacation homes are often far from public transit or taxi stands, making it hard to get home safely after drinking. For this reason, it is important to have a plan in place ahead of time to get home safely.

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This is the Month to Teach Teen Drivers About Florida Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: April 14, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 30 000 Americans die each year in drunk driving accidents. That’s about 32 people a day dying needlessly. In addition to these fatalities, many more millions are seriously injured by drunk drivers. Drunk driving accidents are especially tragic because they are completely preventable. It is as simple as not driving if you are drinking.

This is a good time to talk to your teens about Florida car accidents caused by alcohol, because this is the time of year when teens are most at risk. The months of April, May, and June mean graduation, prom, and other festivities which can include underage drinking. Some statistics show that a significant portion of teen drunk driving accidents take place during these three months.

Many parents miss the signs of alcohol abuse because they assume that their children would never drink. Statistics show time and again that a large percentage of teens have experimented with alcohol by the time they are sixteen, however. Assuming that a teen won’t drink is not the best approach. Parents should know that there will be times when their teens are pressured to drink – and it is up to parents that their teens have the skills and tools in place to resist the temptation to drink and drive.

Many parents also have a hard time discussing the issue with their teens. It can be awkward to discuss drinking with underage minors. However, there are a number of good tools that can help. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) have many resources and tips on their website that can help start the conversation. As well, many police stations have educational materials that can help parents talk to their teens.

In many cases, parents send teens mixed messages about Florida drunk driving accidents. This can be a problem. On the one hand, parents want their teens to never take part in underage drinking. On the other hand, parents want their teens to know that if they do drink they should not drive. This can seem confusing to teens. Worse, parents may have their own complicated attitudes about alcohol and other controlled substances. The key is to be the best role model possible and to have discussions about underage drinking and about drunk driving separately. That way, you can enforce the dangers of both drinking itself and drunk driving.

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Don’t Wait Until 16 To Talk to Your Teen About Florida Drunk Driving Accidents

Published on: April 5, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

Many parents of teen drivers worry about their children and may even sit down for discussions about Florida drunk driving accidents or distracted driving. While such talks can be great, it is also important to remember that it’s best not to wait until sixteen. By the time your child is sixteen, he or she has been in and out of cars for years. It is important to start having these discussions much earlier – when your teen is a pre-teen or a child. There are many things you can do:

1) Have a list of people your teen can call. Your child or teen may not always feel comfortable talking to you or calling you if he or she wants to avoid a drunk driver. It’s a good idea, therefore, to have a list of adult friends and family they can call for a safe ride home. A list of contacts also ensures your child is safe even if they cannot reach you directly.

2) Create a agreement with other members of your family. Consider creating a formal agreement with your teens or pre-teens and with some adult friends and family. The agreement can indicate that your teen or pre-teen can call any of these adults when they need a safe ride home and they will get one – no questions asked. Have your teen add any provisions they need to feel comfortable with making that call.

3) Sign an agreement with your teen or pre-teen about driving safely. Get it in writing and get it specific so that your teen or child knows exactly what their responsibilities are. It is best to have your child help you in drafting the agreement, to ensure that they understand it completely.

4) Teach your child about pedestrian safety. Children are more likely to be in Florida pedestrian accidents because they spend less time in cars than most adults. Reviewing pedestrian safety rules regularly is important to ensure that your child knows how to be safe around cars – as well as in them.

5) Teach your child about car safety. It’s not just Florida car accidents that are a danger – there are also strangers in cars, cars backing up, and other dangers. Show your child the basics of car safety – how to get out of a car or trunk, how to approach a car, how to recognize when a car or truck is backing up. The more your child knows, the more he or she can stay safe.

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The Top Driving-Related Talks You Need to Have With Your Teen Today

Published on: March 31, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, but this is also a great month to talk to your teens about the other dangers of driving. It’s a great time to discuss:

1) Drinking and driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32 people in the US die every day due to drunk driving. Don’t let your teen become one of the statistics of Florida drunk driving accidents. Have an agreement with your teen that
2) Drugs and driving. Many people think of impaired driving as drunk driving, but many drugs (including illegal drugs as well as medications and even over-the-counter products) can cause car accidents because they can cause sleepiness or impairment. Talk to your child about natural supplements, over the counter medications, and illegal drugs. Make sure your teen knows about dangers.

3) Distracted driving. Thanks to awareness campaigns, your teen likely knows about the dangers of texting or talking while driving – but does that mean they put away their mobile device when they drive? This is the month to talk about that and to ensure your teens pull over to the side of the road before making a call.

4) Passengers. Mobile devices are not the only distractions on the road. Loud passengers, loud music, and other distractions in the car can have lethal consequences. Create a list of potential distractions with your teen and then help him or her come up with solutions that address each distraction.

5) Stunts and risks. Teens sometimes think that the risks and stunts they see on TV look cool, and may not appreciate the effects of those risks. Show them photos of accidents caused by stunts and discuss the effects of such decisions.

6) Speeding. Speeding reduces your teen’s control of the car, which, combined with the relatively less experience your teen has behind the wheel, can result in a crash. Worse, higher-speed accidents are more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities.

7) Car safety. While Florida car accidents are a major risk for your teen driver, they are not the only risk. Make sure that you discuss issues such as parking and getting to the car safely at night, car maintenance, car break downs, and more.

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What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet Can Contribute to Florida Car Accidents

Published on: March 24, 2011 | By Flaxman Law Group

When people think about impaired driving, they generally think of the Florida drunk driving accidents that claim so many lives unnecessarily each year. While it is true that alcohol is a major cause of Florida pedestrian accidents and car accidents, drugs are another key problem. Even the simple medications you have in your medicine closet can cause you to have a car accident. Here’s what you need to know:

1) Over the counter does not mean safe. Many over the counter medications – even simple medications intended for back pain or a cold – can leave you feeling groggy and sleepy enough to cause a car accident. Always read the label of any over-the-counter medications you buy. If it says you cannot drive on the medication or if it indicates that the medication will make you sleepy, do not drive while taking it. Ask your pharmacist for recommendations.

2) You have to ask the questions when you get a prescription. When your doctor gives you a new prescription, it is up to you to ask whether it is safe to drive and engage in other regular activities while on the medication. This is also a good time to ask about allergic reactions and possible interactions that you need to be aware of.

3) Your pharmacist can keep you safe on the road. Talk to your pharmacist and consider using one pharmacy exclusively. Many pharmacies today will keep a list of the medications you are using and will automatically help you determine whether any of them could have side effects that could be dangerous behind the wheel.

4) All-natural does not mean safe. Natural supplements and “remedies” are not always FDA approved and many have unlisted or unknown side effects. Just like synthetic products, these supplements can make you feel drowsy or unwell – and can lead you to cause a traffic accident.

5) Even if one medication is safe, watch out for reactions and interactions. Even if none of your medications made you drowsy or unfit for the road, you need to be aware of the fact that medications combined with over the counter products or other prescription medications can create dangerous interactions. Talk to your pharmacist about everything you are taking – including seemingly innocuous vitamins – to ensure you are not setting yourself up for trouble.

6) Expired medications. Check your medicine cabinet regularly and toss out any medications that are past their expiry date. Once expired, some medications may have unusual or unpredictable side effects – ones you don’t want to experience when you’re driving.

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