Posted in Drunk Driving,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on July 7, 2015
DUI and Driver License Checkpoint Scheduled for July 10 in Putnam County
Officers with the Tennessee Highway Patrol will be asking drivers to see their licenses and checking for signs of intoxication in Cookeville, Tennessee, next Friday evening.
A report by the Herald-Citizen says that the THP conducted a sobriety and license checkpoint on July 3 and plans to hold another this Friday, July 10, on highway 136.
A spokesperson with the THP said that roadside checkpoints are an effective way to protect motorists and that they are effective tools in the battle against impaired driving in Tennessee.
Recent statistics show that more than 16,000 people are killed and more than 300,000 are injured in accidents caused by impaired driving in the United States every year. Sobriety checkpoints help police immediately identify drivers who appear to be impaired and get them off the road before they can harm themselves or others.
In addition to watching for signs of impairment and suspended or missing driver licenses, the THP will also enforce other traffic-related laws, such as seat belt use, headlight maintenance, and up-to-date registration and insurance.
The Cookeville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law appreciate the efforts of the THP to keep the streets, highways, and interstates throughout Tennessee safe for all drivers.
What Are the Most Common Signs of Intoxication in Drivers?
Police are always on the lookout for drunk or intoxicated drivers. Because they pose such a significant risk to themselves, their passengers, and other motorists, police want to get them off the road immediately. Some of the signs they watch for to determine if a driver may be intoxicated include:
One of the most prominent driving-related behaviors that’s associated with intoxication is a driver’s failure to stay in his or her lane. Weaving, swerving, and drifting all indicate that the driver is having difficulty focusing on the road and even with his or her fine motor skills—both of which can be symptoms of alcohol or drug intoxication.
Most bars and restaurants that serve alcohol are located in urban areas with plenty of artificial lighting. Because of the ample lighting, intoxicated drivers may leave these places and neglect to turn on their own headlights. Driving at night without headlights is one of the most common reasons that drivers get pulled over after dark, and it’s also a tell-tale sign for police to investigate whether the driver is intoxicated or under in the influence of drugs.
Sudden acceleration, slamming on the brakes, using a turn signal long before turning, or failing to stop at a stop sign or red light are not only bad driving behaviors, they’re also possible signs of intoxication. Because alcohol affects parts of the brain responsible for decision making and good judgment, intoxicated drivers may engage in dangerous and negligent behaviors behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk for serious injuries.
Wrong-way accidents are some of the most dangerous types of car accidents because they almost always involve two or more vehicles colliding head-on. These types of accidents occur most frequently at night and on interstates, and wrong-way drivers are often intoxicated. Because alcohol blurs vision and impairs judgment and memory, drivers may accidentally enter an interstate or highway going the wrong direction, putting them at high risk of head-on collisions.
At Matt Hardin Law, our team of Cookeville auto accident lawyers knows the dangers of drunk or impaired driving. We’ve helped many clients whose lives were forever changed because of negligent drivers who get behind the wheel when they’re intoxicated. It’s our goal to help those victims get the compensation they deserve for their medical bills and lost wages.
If you or someone you live was injured by a drunk or impaired driver, get in touch with our legal team. We’ll fight to get you the money you need for your accident-related expenses. Dial (931) 754-1188 or fill out a free online form today.
