The Dangers of Drunk Driving and Not Buckling Up
Two of the leading causes of Tennessee car accidents are drunk driving and a lack of seatbelt use. Data from the Insurance Institute of Highway safety shows drunk driving accidents account for roughly one-third of all fatal collisions in our state, while almost half of those who die on Tennessee highways are not wearing their seatbelts.
State legislators are hoping to address these issues with several new laws.
DUI Monitoring
This recently passed bill will require anyone charged with vehicular homicide or vehicular assault resulting from driving while intoxicated to wear a transdermal alcohol-monitoring bracelet as a condition of his or her release from custody. The unit is capable of detecting alcohol in a person’s system by monitoring moisture released through the skin. Officials say the law aims to keep repeat driving under the influence offenders off the road.
Seat Belt Laws
New regulations have also increased the penalties for not wearing a seatbelt in Tennessee. An article from The Daily Herald says fines for failing to buckle up have increased from $10 to $25 for a first offense and from $20 to $50 for secondary and subsequent infractions. The fine for any driver between ages 16-17 who is not properly restrained was also increased from $20 to $25.
Protect Yourself
The legal staff at Ponce Law believes in the importance of highway safety and is encouraged by recent legislation, but we know the key to preventing accidents starts with drivers. Our Nashville car accident lawyers ask you to always buckle up and to avoid driving after drinking alcohol.
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