How Serious is DUI of Drugs and Alcohol in the State of Michigan?

Saginaw, Michigan car accident lawyers nearby present a hypothetical situation perhaps may be a clear depiction of why someone would get behind the wheel after having consumed too much alcohol or was under the influence of drugs. Imagine you attend a get-together and after having consumed a few drinks, you realized it was time to head home. As you stagger to find your keys and make your way to the door, while everything appears clear in front of you, there is a cloud of haziness drifting above. However, you are under the impression that it “was just three drinks,” therefore you make your way to your vehicle. After getting on the road, you fail to see how close you are riding to the vehicle in front of you which results in you rear-ending that car.

When a person decides to drive drunk or on drugs, they risk their life and all others on the roadway.

While each case of DUI is different and the actions before a collision vary, many drivers get behind the wheel anticipating that they are in the clear to drive and that nothing bad will happen. Unfortunately, according to car accident attorneys in Saginaw, Michigan and the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (HPS), the numbers revealed highlight just how many individual’s lives are negatively impacted by a driver who is under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

 

 

Below, Saginaw car crash legal representatives in Michigan highlight the data pertaining to accidents involving both alcohol and drugs.

The shocking numbers of deaths and injuries causing by DUI and DWI reveal a true issue.

Bicyclists

• 33 people were killed
• 1,478 were injured

Drivers

• 595 killed
• 52, 301 injured

Motorcyclists

• 138 killed
• 2,347 injured

Pedestrians

• 170 killed
• 2,041 sustained injuries

 

Also reported by HPS was that drivers between the ages of 25 and 34 “represents the highest number of drinking and/or drug use in total crashes, fatal crashes, and injury cases.” So what does this mean for motorists who fall into that age category? Well, one way to reduce these numbers that reflect the individuals who were injured or killed in 2015, is that all drivers can take these reminders into consideration the next time they attempt to get behind the wheel of their vehicle.

 

A drunk driver faces severe penalties, and may require the assistance of a criminal defense lawyer.

For a motorist who is convicted for the first time for DUI or DWI, they could face up to 93 days in jail, between $100-$500 in fines and penalties, and a possible suspension of their license for 6 months. Michigan auto accident lawyers note that a second offense is much harsher as the state attempts to deter a person away from taking part in such behavior ever again.

Now, while these are the minimal penalties a driver could face for DUI, is also depends on if an accident transpired and whether or not someone was hurt, or worse-killed. If you become entangled in a car crash, whether you are a victim or the at-fault party, it would be a wise decision to consult with a professional at a local car accident law firm in Saginaw, Michigan. Christopher Trainor is recommended by many and recognized as one of the best attorneys in the field. He can be reached at 1.800.961.8477.