Despite the considerable steps that have been taken to discourage drunk driving and to prevent alcohol- and drug-related accidents, driving under the influence (DUI) remains a serious problem in Tennessee and other states across the country. The holidays in particular are both a busy time on the roads and a time in which people typically drink more often than usual. Unfortunately, this dangerous combination results in tragic consequences for many families each year. In fact, on New Year’s Day in 2009, 468 people were killed in car accidents, 40% of which were associated with alcohol-impaired driving. There is no reason why you can’t celebrate the holiday season with family and friends, but practicing safety and responsibility should be your number one concern when hosting or attending holiday parties. If you have been injured in a drunk driving accident in Tennessee, enlist the help of a qualified Nashville drunk driving accident attorney today.
One of the most important steps following the occurrence of a Tennessee drunk driving accident is determining liability, which involves establishing who is at fault for the accident. In Tennessee, the legal limit for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is .08%, which means anyone with a BAC above .08% is considered impaired under Tennessee law, and should not be operating a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize that having even one or two drinks can hinder your ability to drive safely. Due in large part to this misunderstanding, more than 9,000 alcohol-related car accidents occur in Tennessee each year, many of which fall around the holiday season. By attaching liability to the person whose impaired or intoxicated driving led to the injury or death of another person, victims of Tennessee DUI accidents and their loved ones can pursue fair and timely reimbursement for their injuries and pain and suffering.
Due to the prevalence of Nashville drunk driving accidents and holiday DUIs in particular, checkpoints will be prominent in Tennessee during the holiday season. In addition, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has sponsored an initiative called “Tie One on for Safety,” which urges law enforcement officials to do their best to enforce drunk driving laws. The campaign also calls on the general public to show its commitment to keeping the roads safe by driving sober during the holidays and tying red ribbons on their vehicles in support of the initiative. Law enforcement agencies in Tennessee and in other states across the country have also joined the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to remove drugged and drunk drivers from the roadways. The campaign will run at its full extent from December 16 to January 2, and drivers who are pulled over during this period can expect to perform a sobriety test. The penalties for drunk driving in Nashville are serious and can significantly alter the life of the offender, as well as the lives of anyone else involved in an alcohol-related accident. If you have been involved in a DUI accident, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced Tennessee drunk driving accident lawyer today.