Dangerous Driving Behaviors – DUI and Others

Driving under the influence, or DUI, is one of the most dangerous things a person can do behind the wheel of a car, according to Broward DUI attorney William Moore. DUIs or alcohol-related accidents are responsible for an estimated 16,000 deaths per year in the United States, or close to 40 percent of all traffic related fatalities. Approximately 42,000 people are killed every year in traffic accidents, says Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore, and the overall percentage of traffic deaths caused by alcohol has decreased steadily over the past 25 years (from a high of about 60 percent). The total number of traffic deaths, however, has remained fairly stagnant. One reason may be the other dangerous driving behaviors occurring with alarming frequency on the roads – especially as our day-to-day lives have become even busier and more fast-paced.

There is some evidence that texting while driving is as dangerous, or even more dangerous, than driving under the influence of alcohol. The epidemic of texting while driving was initially a problem affecting teenage drivers, says Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer William Moore, but the problem is growing among other segments of the population, as well. Several tragic accidents, both on the road and involving public transport, have been caused by texting and driving at the same time. A recent study also shows that working professionals, such as lawyers, real estate agents, financial brokers, and others are especially guilty of texting and even emailing behind the wheel of their cars. One reason: these fast-paced professionals feel pressure to be available around-the-clock. Their Blackberries and similar mobile devices make it possible, creating the potential for serious accidents – just like DUI can.

Eating while driving at the same time is another culprit, as is talking on the phone while driving. Drivers who are trying to down a Caesar salad or even a sandwich cannot devote their full attention to the road and are more likely to cause traffic accidents. Driving a manual transmission vehicle while eating is especially difficult! Although headset devices (Bluetooth) allow hands-free chatting and driving, the fact remains that the driver is distracted more than he would be under more ideal circumstances. While it is not clear that eating or talking are as dangerous as DUI, they remain problems on our public roads.

Fort Lauderdale DUI attorney William Moore provides outstanding DUI defense in Broward, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale-Dade Counties. If you have been charged with a DUI, contact Fort Lauderdale DUI Lawyer William Moore, P.A.

This article should be used for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice nor as implied representation of any person.

Article contributed by Mallory Shipman, Esq.