DUI/DWI statistics in Kentucky
In 2014, according to the Kentucky Office of Traffic Safety, drunk driving (formally known as DUI, driving under the influence, a/k/a DWI, driving while intoxicated) was involved in 473 traffic accidents. From the 473 collisions, 245 people were injured and 14 died as a result of drunk driving.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Crackdown
Kentucky’ Office of Traffic Safety has announced that between December 16, 2015 to January 2, 2016 they will enforce the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” There will be more police officers patrolling Kentucky highways during this time. Also, highway safety, community health and highway safety officials will also take part in this program.
According to the state government’s statute regarding drunk driving, KRS 189A.010, drivers will be arrested if their blood alcohol content is .08 or higher. Also, a police officer can test your blood alcohol within two hours after operation of a motor vehicle. When your blood alcohol is at .08 or higher, you will be charged for DUI/DWI ( K.R.S.A. 189A.010 (1)(d)).
K.R.S.A. 189A.010 (1) states:
“While the presence of a controlled substance listed in subsection (12) of this section is detected in the blood, as measured by a scientifically reliable test, or tests, taken within two (2) hours of cessation of operation or physical control of a motor vehicle.”
Furthermore, according to K.R.S.A. 189A.010 (1)(f) the blood alcohol content for a person under 21 years of age is much lower at .02. Also, according to K.R.S.A. 189A.010 (11) the following aggravating factors will increase the severity of punishment (fines and imprisonment) upon conviction:
“(a) Operating a motor vehicle in excess of thirty (30) miles per hour above the speed limit;
(b) Operating a motor vehicle in the wrong direction on a limited access highway;
(c) Operating a motor vehicle that causes an accident resulting in death or serious physical injury as defined in KRS 500.080;
(d) Operating a motor vehicle while the alcohol concentration in the operator’s blood or breath is 0.15 or more as measured by a test or tests of a sample of the operator’s blood or breath taken within two (2) hours of cessation of operation of the motor vehicle;
(e) Refusing to submit to any test or tests of one’s blood, breath, or urine requested by an officer having reasonable grounds to believe the person was operating or in physical control of a motor vehicle in violation of subsection (1) of this section…”
Drunk Driving and Car Accidents
If you, a family member or friend are a victim of a traffic accident involving the other driver drinking alcohol, you need to able to be compensated for any injuries, pain and suffering and property damage that you may experience. It is also important to note that jury awards from drunk driving accidents, unlike most other liabilities, are not dischargeable in bankruptcy proceedings. This means that if you are severely injured in a drunk driving accident and are awarded damages by a jury, the drunk driver cannot file bankruptcy to avoid having to make payments to you.
Get Legal Help
Roberts Law Office, PLLC (located at 209 E. High Street, Lexington, KY 40507) excels in obtaining the compensation you deserve after car or truck accident. Roberts Law Office’s injury webpage explains the importance of being adequately represented in the event of a personal injury. D. Tyler Roberts is the managing attorney for Roberts Law Office. If you are in an accident, contact his law firm by phone at (859) 231-0202. You can submit your contact information and description of the accident at the law firm’s contact page.