In America, approximately 27 people die per day as a result of drunk driving.
Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over: A Two-Week Reminder to Save Your Life
On Friday, August 18, the annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign went into effect across the country. The two-week movement is a reminder to all about the deadly consequences of driving under the influence as nation-wide law enforcement cracks down on impaired driving.
Probate and Personal Injury: Working Together When the Worst Happens
While we do not handle DUI cases, we do work very closely with Michigan’s personal injury firms to work out the probate-related aftermath of drunk-driving accidents. We lend support in securing conservatorships for those that have been injured in accidents, granting guardianships over disabled adults and minors and who have lost parents in accidents, probating the estates of those who have lost their lives, and assisting in the settlement process of wrongful death claims.
In the probate profession, death is the nature of our business. We can step in both before and after someone has passed to make the process easier for everyone involved, especially loved ones. While death crosses our desks every day, drunk driving cases, and distracted driving ones as well, never get easier to handle. The unexpected loss, especially if they were a significant financial provider for their family, is seemingly unbearable, and is made even more tragic by the fact that it could have been avoided.
No Such Thing as “OK to Drive”
Did you know that even if your blood alcohol level tests under .08 percent, you can still be arrested and convicted for drunk driving? How fast you metabolize alcohol is dependent on several factors, including the ABV of your drink, how fast you consumed the alcohol, your body weight, and food consumption. There are simply too many variables at play to take such a significant risk. If you see someone attempting to drive themselves home after a few drinks, help them find a sober ride or take their keys. They will thank you tomorrow.
Be Smart. Take A SaferRide.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) developed an App called SaferRide. The app offers you three choices: “Get Taxi,” “Call Friend,” or “Where Am I?” Depending on which one you select, the app will offer you the nearest taxi option, a call to a pre-set contact, or a map of your location. The free app is available through both Google Play for Android users and the Apple Store for iPhone. For those of us who don’t live in taxi friendly cities, many of us now have the use of services like Uber and Lift. And for those who say they don’t want to pay for a ride, there’s the ever-reliable lifeline of phoning a friend or relative. With all of this new technology, there is truly no excuse for getting behind the wheel after downing a few pints with friends. No matter the cost or inconvenience, it pales in comparison to the possible alternative.
Stand In Unity Against Drunk Driving
As insensitive as it may seem, people die every day. As the old adage goes, it’s pretty much the only guaranteed thing in life. In our business, we see it more than most, and we will always help our clients navigate the process with compassion and efficiency. That being said, enjoy the time you have here with your friends and family. Don’t cut your time or theirs short by something completely preventable like drinking and driving. We would love to meet you/ your loved ones, but not under those circumstances. So please – listen to that nagging motherly voice in your head and call for a ride “no matter what time it is.”
If you do find yourself in need of a conservatorship, guardianship, or other probate service for any reason, our sensitive and experienced attorneys are only a click or a call away: Info@TheProbatePro.com or 248.399.3300.
