FHP Disturbed by Rising Blood Alcohol Levels of Drivers Involved in Florida Accidents
The Orlando Sentinel reports on a disturbing trend – sky high blood alcohol levels are being seen by Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) troopers among those drivers involved in traffic crashes. In some cases, five times the legal level of intoxication (0.08 percent) are being seen. That’s one reason that FHP troopers were out in force on the Memorial Day weekend. Is this a trend?
It may be. Although FHP does not keep numbers on blood-alcohol levels and accidents, anecdotal reports are that there have been 10 wrecks recently where the at-fault driver had a BAC (blood-alcohol content) three or four times the legal limit. That means the driver had not one or two drinks but more like four or five before getting behind the wheel.
No matter how many drinks a driver has had, anyone impaired is a danger on the road. By law, while the level of intoxication is measured at 0.08 percent, the level for “high BAC” is defined by the state as 0.15 percent. At that number, a judge can impose a higher fine or longer jail sentence for an impaired driver involved in an auto accident in Florida.
Many people fail to understand that when they drink and drive, they destroy a family when someone is hit and killed or badly injured. Florida’s penalties for drunk drivers allow up to three infractions before someone is jailed for not more than 12 months. Vehicular manslaughter or homicide can bring up to 15 years behind bars.
If you or a loved one have been injured by an impaired driver, you may be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering as well as property damage and the loss of employment. The Florida drunk driving accident lawyers at Farah & Farah encourage you to contact an experienced Florida law firm that will conduct the investigation needed to identify the at-fault driver and preserve the evidence needed in a court of law. Call us at 1-800-533-3555 so we can advocate for you in your time of need.
Source: http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2011-05-27/news/os-high-blood-alcohol-content-20110527_1_fhp-report-blood-alcohol-troopers
