Posted in Car Accident,Drunk Driving,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on February 5, 2015
DUI Arrests Increased in Tennessee in 2014
Insurance Journal says that more Tennessee residents were charged with driving under in the influence in 2014 than in 2013, according to a report by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Tennessee Highway Patrol officers and city and county police officers arrested 29,544 people for driving under the influence in 2014 compared to 28,905 in 2013—an increase of 639 arrests.
The Chattanooga Times Free Press also reported that DUI arrests in the Chattanooga metro area also increased. Representatives from the Chattanooga Police Department and the Tennessee Highway Patrol both said that the increase is due to new techniques that help police predict when and where accidents occur due to drivers being under the influence of alcohol.
TBI’s report also stated that out of all 29,544 arrests, only eight percent made it to court, but 88 percent of those who went to trial were convicted or pleaded guilty to either DUI or a lesser offense.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving gave Tennessee four out of five stars for the state’s efforts in finding and prosecuting drunk drivers and for enforcing things like ignition interlocks, sobriety checkpoints, and no-refusal laws.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Franklin car accident attorneys appreciate the hard work of police officers and highway patrol officers across Tennessee to make the state’s roads safer at all times.
Safe Alternatives to Driving Under the Influence
As the story above proves, law enforcement in Tennessee takes driving under the influence seriously and people who do it not only puts their lives and the lives of others in danger, but they can also suffer serious legal and financial consequences if they get caught.
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you’ve consumed alcohol and need to get home, never get behind the wheel of your car. Instead, use any of the following options to get home legally and safely:
Calling a cab to get a ride home is often the quickest and easiest way to get home safely after drinking. Most cab services run 24 hours per day and can send a driver out to pick you up at any time. In addition, there are many new cab companies that can be utilized via smartphone apps, eliminating the need to place a phone call or even provide the driver with directions to your location.
If you’re in an area with bus service, consider taking the bus to get home. Buses are often very inexpensive options and make frequent stops throughout the day and night, make them reliable methods for getting home if you’re unable to drive.
If you’re going to a party and know alcohol will be served, consider appointing someone in your group as a designated driver. By having one person in your party who refrains from drinking throughout the night, you and your family and friends can be assured a safe and sober ride home.
If you’ve exhausted all of the above options and still can’t find a ride home, it’s best to simply stay where you are until your body has had time to metabolize the alcohol. Driving while under the influence of alcohol is never worth the risks.
The Franklin car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law know that the lives of countless people in Tennessee—both drivers and innocent victims alike—are forever changed due to drunk driving arrests and accidents.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured in a car accident caused by a drunk driver, you need an attorney who can help you get compensation for your accident-related expenses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today—just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form. We know Tennessee drunk driving accident law, and we know how to build strong claims that get results.
