Report Drunk Drivers

On October 23, 2009, Eddy McCreery, 44, was killed in a crash on I-40 caused by a woman Metro Police believe was driving drunk. Three days later Malindy Raymer, 45, was killed in a collision involving a man suspected of driving while intoxicated. Two more needless deaths at the bloody hands of John Barleycorn.

An interesting article on the website of WZTV Channel 17 in Nashville, reports that the legislature is going to be given a chance to take steps to continue to address this epidemic.

According to the article two drunk driving bills will come before legislators in this year’s legislative session in January. Senator Mae Beavers, Rep., District 17, is hoping legislators will change Tennessee’s open container law, making it illegal for anyone to have an open alcohol container in a car. Senator Beavers is also supporting a bill mandating ignition interlock devices for all convicted DUI offenders– something Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) has backed for years. Under present law the penalties for driving under the influence are:

1ST TIME DUI OFFENDER – .08 (BAC) [TCA 55-10-401] [TCA 55-10-403]

●     48 hours to 11 months, 29 days of jail for offenders under the age of 21.

●     24 hours to 11 months, 29 days of jail for offenders 21 and over

●     .20 BAC or greater minimum jail time 7 consecutive days

●     License revocation for 1 year

●     You will be ordered to participate in a DUI school

●     Pay restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal loss

●     $350-$1,500 Fine

●     With towing, bail, attorney, high risk insurance, court costs, school, and reinstatement fees, your first offense average costs could add up to $4,900.

●     Judge can order you to install a vehicle Ignition Interlock Device at your expense. Minimum 1st year cost $810 [55-10-412d]

●     If two (2) convictions of DUI in 5 years, Ignition Interlock Device required for 6 months after reinstatement at your expense.

●     Drug and Alcohol Treatment may be required at the judge’s discretion.

As an experienced Nashville car accident lawyer I want to remind you that driving with a BAC of .08 or higher is illegal in every state. If you follow my blog you will see that in Tennessee we continue to see a tragic number of people with debilitating injuries and deaths as a result of impaired driving. This careless disregard for human life must stop. If you suspect a driver is under the influence you can call *THP ( *847)  and alert the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Do your part and save a life.

If you or a loved one is killed or injured in a Nashville car accident involving a drunk driver contact the experienced Nashville automobile accident attorneys at Phillip Miller & Associates and find out about your right and remedies.

The Nashville automobile accident, personal injury law firm of Phillip Miller & Associates is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.