Posted in Drunk Driving,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on August 22, 2015
Clarksville Police Planning Increased DUI Enforcement before Labor Day
With Labor Day approaching, the Clarksville Police Department has indicated that it will increase its patrols in an effort to catch more drivers who are under the influence of alcohol throughout the city and Montgomery County.
According to a report by The Leaf-Chronicle, there were 6,645 alcohol-related car accidents in Tennessee in 2014, which equals about 18 accidents per day throughout the state. Clarksville police hope their increased enforcement leading up the holiday weekend will help reduce that number.
A spokesperson for the CPD said that almost everyone knows driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal and dangerous, but people do it anyway because they may not believe that the statistics for injuries and accidents don’t apply to them.
The Governor’s Highway Safety Office was also quoted in a press release, saying that the state loses hundreds of drivers and passengers every year due to intoxicated drivers, and the law enforcement will be out in full force in Clarksville looking to apprehend and arrest any drivers who appear to be impaired.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Clarksville car accident attorneys appreciate the efforts of the CPD and the Governor’s Highway Safety Office to reduce the number of DUI traffic accidents in Clarksville and throughout the state of Tennessee.
Why are Impaired Drivers So Dangerous on Tennessee’s Roadways?
Safe driving requires full concentration and motor skills. However, alcohol, prescription medications, and certain drugs can significantly impair both of those traits, making impaired drivers dangers to themselves and to other motorists on the road.
Some of the most common impairments seen in drunk or intoxicated drivers include:
The vast majority of drivers exhibit caution and defensive driving skills when they’re behind the wheel, but intoxicated drivers are far more likely to take risks, such as speeding, passing where prohibited, and weaving in and out of traffic. Alcohol and drugs can cause poor judgment, and the outcome of that effect often involves drivers exhibiting behaviors that they would normally never show when sober.
DMVs require applicants and drivers to take an eye exam to determine their level of visual acuity and whether they need corrective lenses in order to legally drive. Having good vision is a requirement for all drivers, as being able to see a long distance ahead of your vehicle and spot things like road signs, oncoming traffic, and stop signs or traffic lights are all vital parts of the driving experience. Drivers who impaired may experience watery eyes or blurry vision, both of which can significantly increase their chances of causing an accident.
Driving while fatigued or sleepy can be a disastrous decision. Intoxicated drivers who get behind the wheel may feel alert when they initially start their cars, but alcohol and certain types of drugs and prescription medications can cause drowsiness without advance warning. When combined with the poor judgment skills produced by drugs and alcohol, drivers who experience drowsiness while intoxicated may be more likely to fall asleep even momentarily—which is all it takes for them to lose control of their vehicles and cause serious accidents.
The Clarksville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law have helped many innocent victims of drunk driving accidents over the past 20 years, and we know that the consequences of these accidents are often life-changing for the affected individuals and families.
If you or someone you love was injured in a drunk driving accident, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, vehicle repair costs, and more. Our legal team has no sympathy for people who choose to get behind the wheel while impaired, and we will aggressively pursue the maximum amount of money for you and your family. Get in touch with us today by dialing (931) 274-7788 or filling out a free online form.
