The United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently announced the kick-off for its annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The campaign serves as an educational effort to encourage drivers to avoid getting behind the wheel while intoxicated.
NHTSA states the campaign will run from December 18 through January 1, 2021.
What is the focus of the campaign?
In an effort to encourage safe driving practices over the holidays, the agency reminds drivers of the impact of alcohol on one’s ability to drive. At a blood alcohol concentration of 0.02, the driver has a decline in the ability to perform two tasks at once and decreased vision. At 0.05, coordination drops. The driver will also have difficulty steering as well as avoiding and properly responding to emergency situations. At 0.08, the driver generally loses the ability to properly monitor the vehicle’s speed and reduced concentration. Braking ability diminishes at 0.10 and substantial problems controlling the vehicle are present at 0.15.
What should drivers know?
Although getting those who pose a safety risk off the road is important, it is also not uncommon for others to face false allegations of wrongdoing.
Those who are pulled over and accused of a violation during the campaign are wise to take the allegations seriously. Defenses are available. Depending on the details of the allegations, driving while intoxicated (DWI) charges can result in substantial fines, potential imprisonment and additional future hurdles. A failure to build a defense or discuss options can result in unintentionally agreeing to fault and criminal charges. Do not make this mistake. Seek counsel, discuss your options and protect your rights.