Virginia DUI Attorney: Ignition Interlocks Have Reduced Drunk Driving Deaths in Virginia by 40%

           A new report from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) reveals how many drunk drivers have been stopped by ignition interlock devices because they were trying to drive drunk.  Of course, these statistics are only compiled from the states that require interlock devices for all DUI offenders.  MADD’s goal for releasing such a report is to show the other non-interlock states that they need to adopt a law requiring ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenders.  This study logged more than 10,000 blocked ignition interlock attempts in Virginia.  To compare, states like New York and Washington had more than 84,000 and more than 100,000 failed attempts respectively.

           

           In Virginia, the study revealed that drunk driving deaths have fallen by 40% since implementing laws that require ignition interlock devices for all DUI offenders.  This ranked Virginia second out of 25 states that require interlocks for all DUI offenders.

            

          MADD strongly believes that, “no other option available today…can physically block an offender from operating his or her vehicle after consuming alcohol.”  Ignition interlock devices will prohibit anyone who has any alcohol in their system from driving.  The car cannot be started.  However, these “other options,” such as alcohol treatment, a license suspension, or an alcohol monitoring bracelet cannot prevent somebody from driving drunk.  According to MADD, the 25 states that do not require an interlock device for first time offenders must change their laws to allow safe travel on the roads without others being at risk of injury or death due to a drunk driver.

If you are charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia and would like a free legal consultation or if you would like more information on DUI or DWI please feel free to contact our office at (703) 916-1227 and schedule an appointment at our office in Alexandria or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/

Officials Warn About Fatal Car Accidents as the Thanksgiving Holiday Approaches

            Thanksgiving travel this year will continue the trend of the last few years, beating the previous year’s numbers in terms of number of travelers.  About 42 million nationwide will hit the road for Thanksgiving this year.  Well over one million from Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. will take to the area highways for travel next week.  With roads and highways jam-packed with millions of cars, trucks, and buses, accidents will occur in large numbers.  Unfortunately, some of these accidents will result in serious injuries and even fatalities.  The National Safety Council estimates 433 deaths and more than 50,000 serious injuries occurring as a result of traffic accidents.  The group cites the combination of high traffic volume and the increase in drinking and driving around holiday time as the cause for the startling predictions.  The group hopes that by making people aware of the dangers on the roads next week for holiday travel that they will save some lives.

            

            Some ways to prevent fatalities in auto accidents include wearing your seatbelt at all times, driving the speed limit, driving sober, and driving without any distractions (i.e. cell phones, make up, and radios).  Numerous reports this year have shown that deadly car accidents are significantly higher than normal due to speeding and alcohol.  It is not surprising that New Year’s tops the list for the most fatal car accidents, but Thanksgiving is near the top of the list as well.  The Wednesday night before Thanksgiving is an extremely busy night at bars for teenagers and young adults who are reconnecting with high school and college friends.  Always remember to drive sober and never drink and drive.  About one-third of all fatal accidents that occur around Thanksgiving are attributed to alcohol.

            

            If you or a family member has been charged with DUI or DWI in Virginia and/or were involved in a deadly accident as a result, please feel free to contact our office at (703) 916-1227 and schedule an appointment for a free legal consultation at our office in Vienna or throughout Virginia, or visit us on the web at http://www.portnerandshure.com/Criminal-Defense/DWI-DUI/