Category Archives: Drunk Driving

Another Texting and Driving Accident

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Woman Injures Construction Workers after Texting while Drunk

 

A 20-year-old woman was arrested late last year after she caused an accident in a Reno construction zone while texting and driving. The driver, who was also intoxicated at the time, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, minor in possession, and driving with a suspended license in addition to the texting charge.

 

According to police, the driver was operating her vehicle in a construction zone on Interstate 580 south when she crashed into some construction equipment that had been placed inside a controlled area. Upon impact, one wheel fell off of her wheel and struck one of the workers there. In all, two people were injured as a result of this accident and had to be transported to a local hospital. The driver was not injured during the incident.

The state of Nevada has enacted a law that makes it illegal to use a cell phone while driving unless it is a hands-free device. Texting and driving is never allowed, even in emergency situations. Nevada’s cell phone statute allows officers to pull drivers over for violating the ban, even if they are not committing another traffic offense at the time.

Please don’t text and drive as you are putting yourself and other at risk.

No Dram Shop Laws and Why You Should Care

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Lack of Dram Shop Laws can Spell Disaster for Accident Victims

Throughout much of the country, dram shop laws have been enacted to protect those who are injured by a drunk driver. Individuals can normally recover damages from establishments such as bars and restaurants if it can be shown that a bartender knowingly served too much alcohol to a patron. This is not the case in Nevada, as this state has failed to enact dram shop laws that provide this protection. As such, those who are injured as a result of a drunk driver have fewer resources to rely on for compensation.

The lack of dram shop laws in Nevada primarily stem from the fact that this state relies heavily on the gaming and tourism industry. By protecting these entities, legislators here feel they are helping to keep the local economy stable, particularly in Las Vegas. Even so, the lack of protection means that ordinary citizens might be at greater risk of injury than in other tourist hotspots across the nation.

Those who have been injured in a drinking and driving accident in and around Las Vegas should contact a personal injury attorney for more advice.

Distracted Driving Increases Risks for Accidents in Las Vegas

Avoiding Auto Accidents by Limiting Driving Distractions

Distracted driving is a serious concern, and while it is becoming more recognized in light of rampant cell phone use, it’s important to recognize that there are many types of distractions that can lead to auto accidents. Avoiding distractions isn’t always possible, but there are many precautions that you can take in order to limit your risk of injury in a crash. Staying safe on the road means driving defensively, and limiting your distractions is one of the best defensive driving measures that you can take.

Cell phone use is one of today’s top safety issues. Distractions range from text messaging to holding a phone in one hand while driving with the other. While Nevada law requires that any cell phone activity be hands free, there are still challenges in enforcing the policies and restrictions. Your responsibility in avoiding accidents is to commit to not using your cell phone while driving. It’s tempting to check that text message or to listen to a voice mail, but even at stop lights this can divert your attention from road conditions.

Maps can be very distracting to drivers. Whether you are checking your GPS or looking at a paper map, you should pull to the side of the road in order to do so. Trying to focus on a map while still moving is dangerous to both you and to other motorists

Food and drinks can be unexpectedly distracting. While many motorists consume both while driving, a slight slip can create havoc. It’s wise to do your eating and drinking while not driving.

If you are a victim of a collision due to someone not paying attention to these warnings, you may qualify for financial compensation. Call Edward M Bernstein and Associates for a free consultation.

Startling results from underage drinking sting

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It seems like each Summer the number of serious and fatal DUI accidents skyrocket here in the Valley. While some of these accidents involve repeat offenders an alarming number of drivers receiving DUIs are under the legal drinking age. Just this weekend a 19 year old man was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after striking and killing a 46 year old woman standing outside of her own vehicle.

In an effort to curb easy access to alcohol by minors, Metro Police have been operating a sting known as Operation: Shoulder Tap. During the operation an undercover juvenile working with the police would approach a stranger and ask them to purchase liquor for him. An eye opening half of all people approached by the minor agreed to purchase alcohol for the teenager. Operation Shoulder Tap coordinator Diane Pidsosny says underage drinking is not only dangerous, but expensive, costing citizens $800 million a year. While some adults argue that juvenile drinking is a rite of passage, alcohol is one of the leading contributors to injury, death, and criminal behavior by juveniles. The police admit there is little they can do to eliminate underage drinking but I applaud their efforts to make the streets a safer place and for sending the message that juveniles and alcohol shouldn’t mix.

-Edward M Bernstein and Associates

Sting Operation Cracks Down on Underage Drinking
By Jamie Guirola
8NewsNow
August 12, 2011

One by one, an undercover juvenile working for Metro Police asked a complete stranger to buy him liquor. Half the people the minor came in contact with allegedly agreed and knowingly purchased alcohol for the 19-year-old. It’s part of a Metro sting called Operation: Shoulder Tap.

Read the rest of the article HERE

NV Law Alert: First-time DUI Offenders

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An article the Las Vegas Review-Journal says the Senate approved a bill this week that would lower the blood-alcohol level for first-time DUI offenders who are eligible to seek treatment over jail time or another court-imposed sentence. Under the current law, the concentration is 0.18 percent & this bill would lower it to 0.15 percent.

The RJ says the bill will now move to the Assembly for consideration.

What do you think? Good idea or not?

-Edward M Bernstein and Associates

Bill would affect first-time DUI offenders

CARSON CITY — The Senate approved a bill Monday that would lower the blood-alcohol level for first-time DUI offenders who are eligible to seek treatment over jail time or another court-imposed sentence.

Find this article at: http://www.lvrj.com/news/bill-would-affect-first-time-dui-offenders-119235899.html

Las Vegas is #36 on List of Drunkest Cities

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A new report says Las Vegas is No. 36 on a list of the country’s ‘drunkest’ cities. Let’s be America’s MOST RESPONSIBLE city by refusing to drink and drive! What are you doing for New Year’s Eve and have you made plans for a designated driver?
If you don’t have plans for a designated driver, here are some programs offering a free ride. Use them, don’t drink and drive!

AAA’s Tipsy Tow program will be offered from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve. Anyone can call 800-222-4357 and get a free tow up to 10 miles, even if they are not a AAA member.

Designated Drivers: You can get a free ride home at the end of the night from Rampart Casino, Cannery Casinos, Rum Runners, Steiners, Nora’s Restaurant, Lucky’s Lounge, T-Bird Lounges, and Cheetah’s. You can reach the Designated Driver 24-hour hotline at 456-RIDE (7433). For more on the program, check out this Channel 13 story: http://www.ktnv.com/story/13614779/designated-driver-program-forced-to-cut-rides

Remember not to drink and drive and if you’re hit by a drunk driver, call my office at 702-240-0000 or go to www.edbernstein.com. We can help you deal with the insurance companies and get the compensation you deserve.

-Edward M Bernstein and Associates

Report: Las Vegas No. 36 on list of country’s ‘drunkest cities’
By Erin Dostal

Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2010 | 1:43 p.m.

Cheers, Las Vegans. Despite what you see on the Strip, there are 35 locations ahead of Las Vegas on a list released this week of the country’s “drunkest cities.”

Find article at: Las Vegas Sun