Articles Posted in Boston Drunk Driving Accidents

Drinking and driving.

According to the Boston Herald, even school bus drivers are getting caught, and they’re putting your kids at serious risks because of it. Recently, a bus driver from New Hampshire was arrested for driving under the influence and causing an accident in Tyngsborough. He is facing charges in Lowell District County. He was in jail overnight on a $10,000 cash bond. He is now facing charges of failure to slow when approaching an intersection, child endangerment while drunken driving and drunken driving.

Luckily, no one was injured in the crash at Westford and Middlesex roads. Officers say that the minivan that the bus driver ran into was transporting four students. The small bus, driven by the intoxicated driver was carrying two adult monitors and four students. School district officials say that the school bus driver has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Our Tyngsborough accident lawyers understand that drunk driving accidents continue to be a primary threat nationwide. As a matter of fact, there were nearly 10,230 people killed in these accidents in 2010 alone, reports the latest statistics with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These accidents, which are completely preventable, accounted for about a third of all traffic accident-related fatalities for the year. Experts report that there’s someone killed in an alcohol-related collision every 51 minutes.

In all 50 states, it’s illegal for someone to drive if they have a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reading of .08 or higher. Of those killed in these accidents in 2010, nearly 6,630 of them were killed in accidents in which one of the drivers involved had a BAC of .08 or higher.

In the state of Massachusetts, there were more than 140 people killed in alcohol-related car accidents in 2010. Of these fatalities, there were about 115 who were killed in accidents in which a driver had a BAC of .08 or higher. In 78 of them, a driver reported a BAC of .15 or higher. The most commonly reported BAC recorded nationwide in these accidents was .18. These accidents accounted for nearly 50 percent of all fatal accidents. Our state reported some of the worst percentages.

Drivers are warned when they’re out driving during the evening hours and during the weekends. This is when these kinds of accidents are most likely to happen. This is especially true during the summer nights and weekends when traffic is increased significantly.

Drivers are asked to be careful, even when sober behind the wheel. It’s a smart idea to keep an eye on other drivers. If you think you spot an intoxicated driver on our roadways, you’re asked to contact authorities and report them. Your phone call can help to save lives.
Continue reading

Recently, officials met at the 30th Anniversary Lifesavers Conference on Highway Safety Priorities to discuss the most effective ways to help to cut down on the number of drunk driving car accidents in Quincy and elsewhere. During the keynote address, safety advocates with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) called for a summit of traffic safety leaders to renew the focus on traffic safety solutions that have been proven to help to reduce the risks of these kinds of accidents.

“We need to commit ourselves to working together to support the strongest laws on all issues,” Jan Withers, president of MADD.

Our Quincy drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that one of MADD’s campaigns, the Campaign to Eliminate Drunk Driving®, has helped to reduce the number of car accidents nationwide. Through its campaign, 17 states enacted ignition interlock sentences for all drunk driving offenders. That is up from just one state in 2006. Currently, all 50 states have some form of an ignition interlock law. In the state of Massachusetts “multiple OUI offenders are now required to install an Ignition Interlock Device (IID) in their vehicle upon issuance of a hardship license or at full license reinstatement.”

We’re not one of the states that require these devices for first-time offenders, which has been proven to help to significantly cut down the number of repeat offenders.

In addition to campaigning for the ignition interlock devices, officials with MADD have also been advocating the support of technology such as the Driver Alcohol Detection Systems for Safety (DADSS), which would help to prevent intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel. Officials believe that this technology could potentially prevent thousands of fatal accidents every year.

Experts believe that more than 10,000 people will die this year because of drunk driving accidents in the U.S. As a matter of fact, drunk drivers kill someone every 50 minutes. Most drivers say that they understand the dangers that are associated with drinking and driving. The problem is that most drivers think they’re invincible, too. It’s important to educate the driving public about how serious of a problem this is and how high their risks are for an accident after consuming alcohol.

This is no joke! It’s so bad that statistics show that about a third of residents will be involved in an alcohol-related accident in their lifetime.

During the summer travel season, drivers are warned. We typically see a rise in alcohol-related car accidents during this time of the year. Drivers need to remember that there are options. You have safe ways to get home after you’ve been drinking and one of those options should never be driving drunk. You can call a cab, you can take public transportation, you can call a friend or a family member or you can even stay at a friend’s home. We’re not only asking you to stay out of the driver’s seat if you’ve been drinking, but we’re also asking you to be safe on our roadways to avoid an accident with those who haven’t made such responsible decisions.
Continue reading

There were nearly 120 people who were killed in alcohol-related car accidents in Boston and elsewhere in the state of Massachusetts in 2009.

In the state, there were more than 22,000 people who were busted for a third-time drunk driving offense in 2009. To make matters even worse, there were nearly 5,000 who were busted for their fifth-time offense. These kinds of accidents are completely preventable, yet residents and visitors in the area continue to consume alcohol and jump behind the wheel of a motor vehicles. It’s like there’s a complete disregard to the dangers and to human life.

These accidents weren’t only deadly. They were costly, too! Drunk driving accidents cost the state nearly $810 million a year. To help to reduce these costs and to help to keep our roadways safe, safe driving experts suggest that lawmakers in the state consider making their repeat offender interlock law mandatory for all offenders. Right now, if you have two or more OUI convictions, you will need to have an Alcohol Detecting Ignition Interlock Device installed in your car as a condition of driver’s license reinstatement or Hardship License. Experts recommend that even first-time offenders should have to use ignition interlocks.

Our Boston drunk driving car accident attorneys understand that the summer driving season is a common time for us to see alcohol-related car accidents on our roadways. Unfortunately, these accidents oftentimes produce fatal results. Most drivers admit to understanding the dangers of drinking and driving, but these kinds of accidents still account for about a third of all accidents nationwide.

In the state of Massachusetts, drivers can be either fined or sent to jail if they’re busted driving under the influence of alcohol. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for drivers is .08 percent. For drivers under the age of 18, the legal BAC limit in .08 percent. Many times, an OUI sentence largely depends on the prior OUI sentences.

Massachusetts Drunk Driving Laws:

First Offense: A fine of up to $5,000. No more than 2 and a half years in jail. A 1-year driver’s license suspension.

Second Offense: A fine of up to $10,000. No more than 2 and a half years in jail. A 2-year driver’s license suspension.

Third Offense: Felony. A fine of up to $15,000. Up to 5 years in prison. An 8-year driver’s license suspension.

Fourth Offense: Felony. A fine of up to $25,000. Up to 5 years in prison. A 10-year driver’s license suspension.

Fifth Offense: A fine of up to $50,000. Up to 5 years in prison. A potential lifetime jail sentence.

“It seems it may even be more effective than harsher sentences,” said Robert Hedlund, a Weymouth Republican.
Continue reading

A 20-year-old man was arrested for drunk driving accident in Braintree and a number of other crimes after another vehicle on Route 93 was hit by piece of the drunk driver’s shredded tire.

When the man was pulled over and apprehended, officers located an open bottle of alcohol in the underage man’s glove box. He was charged with being underage and transporting alcohol, driving under the influence, driving with an open container and resisting arrest. It all happened as he was driving down Route 93 during the earning morning and his front right tire shredded into pieces. Some of the tire flew back and hit the vehicle of a 22-year-old driver. Braintree police said that the driver pulled over and called local officers to report the intoxicated driver, according to the Braintree Patch.

“Officers David Jordan and Paul Hamilton arrived and made observations of Bambery [the intoxicated driver] causing them to suspect that he was intoxicated,” said witnesses.

Our Braintree accident attorneys have been talking recently about the risks that young drivers face on our roadways during the summer. During this time, high school and college students are released from school and hit our roadways for a much-needed break from classes. Unfortunately, this is also a time when these drivers are involved in an overwhelming number of alcohol-related auto accidents. These drivers may not be old enough to purchase or to legally consume alcohol, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not going to. Underage drinking is a problem across the country and needs to be addressed to help to make our roadways safe for everyone.

According to Students Against Destructive Driving (SADD), more than quarter of individuals between the ages of 12- and 20-years-old admits to consuming alcohol. More than 17 percent of this young age group admits to binge drinking at least once in the last 30 days.

Alcohol consumption is alarmingly common among teens today. About 75 percent of these kids say that they’ve consumed alcohol at least once by the end of their high school career. Nearly 40 percent even admitted to doing so by the end of their 8th grade year.

It could even be happening in your own home. In 2008, more than 30 percent of underage drinkers say that they got their hands on and consumed the alcohol in their own home. About 56 percent said that they did this at someone else’s home.

As we head though the summer season, parents are urged to talk with the young driver in their family about the risks that are associated with unsafe driving habits, but especially with impaired driving. Talking with young drivers about the consequences of these poor habits will help keep them safe on our roadways. Education and awareness is the key in helping to reduce the risks of accidents. Have a safe summer and be responsible behind the wheel!
Continue reading

A recent car accident in Attleboro landed a woman with her second drunk driving charge. The woman’s charge came after an early-morning multi-vehicle accident on Interstate 95, according to State Police.

Officers received a number of 9-1-1 calls reporting a five-vehicle accident on the northbound lanes of the interstate, near Exit 2 in Attleboro. The car accident happened around 1:00 a.m. Officers had to shut down the breakdown lane and two additional lanes to clean up the mess and to conduct an investigation. As officers interviewed drivers who were involved in the accident, they ended up charging the 22-year-old woman with a number of counts, including operating under the influence, various marked lanes violations, negligent operation of a motor vehicle and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, according to the Boston Globe.

“She was given field sobriety tests on scene. Afterward, troopers determined that she was [operating under the influence of] liquor,” said State Trooper, Todd Nolan.

Our Attleboro accident lawyers understand that the summertime brings about some serious risks for car accidents on roadways nationwide. More and more drivers are hitting our roadways in route to their summer destinations. During this time, high school kids and college students are out on summer break, also contributing to the increase in risks — especially alcohol-related risks. These types of automobile accidents oftentimes produce fatal results. In the recent Attleboro car accident, three people were transported to local hospitals.

The 22-year-old driver is no stranger to this kind of thing. When she was just 17-years-old she was charged in the fatal hit-and-run accident in Wrentham. This accident happened just before 10:00 p.m. in December of 2006 when she hit and killed a pedestrian.

The truth of the matter is that drunk driving-related car accidents account for about a third of all fatal car accidents nationwide.

Those who have already been convicted of drunk driving charges actually face some serious risks for future accidents and convictions. Their risks are nearly 2 times higher. Statistics also conclude that about a third of people who are convicted of driving while intoxicated are repeat offenders. Repeat offenders are also about 4 times more likely to be part of serious accidents among the higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level convicts. This is why it’s important to make sure that the state has strict convictions and even stricter penalties, to keep these dangerous drivers from behind the wheel.

In 2009, when the ignition interlock program was first introduced in the state of Massachusetts, repeat offenders in the Commonwealth could be sentenced to these devices, ignition interlocks. As of then, there were only two of the near 550 people who had completed the interlock program that had been rearrested on operating under the influence charges. Right now, there are 49 states that require the use of ignition interlock devices for repeat offenders, with programs effectively cutting recidivism. It’s important that these drivers are charged and sentenced as opposed to let off easy to help to reduce the risks of a repeat offense.

“Statistics have shown that about 1/3 of those drivers arrested on DUI/OUI charges will become convicted repeat offenders,” said Senator Hedlund.
Continue reading

There a loophole in Massachusetts’ drunk driving law and officials with the state are trying to close it, according to the Boston Globe.

Recently, the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that drivers who admit that there’s enough evidence for drunken driving conviction but aren’t technically convicted are not subject to certain increased punishments and penalties. Various state officials have recently proposed to amend the definition of a drunk driving conviction to include those who admit to sufficient facts for a finding of guilty. It’s important that convictions and sentencing for drunk drivers are strict. Studies illustrate that strict sentencing helps to reduce the risks of future convictions and help to reduce the risks of future drunk driving-related car accidents in Cape Cod and elsewhere.

“We must respond quickly to close this loophole and ensure that repeat drunk drivers are taken off the roads for significant periods of time,” said, Martha Coakley, State Attorney General.

Our Cape Cod accident lawyers understand that the state Legislature didn’t change its definition of what constitutes a drunk driving “conviction” back in 2005 when it passed Melanie’s Law. Melanie’s Law was enacted to help to keep repeat offenders off of our roadways, from future convictions and from causing drunk driving-related car accidents. Under the current definition, people who enter a guilty plea or a no contest plea are included. Unfortunately, it does not include those who “admit to sufficient facts.” Under this, drivers are allowed to admit that there is in fact enough evidence for a drunk driving conviction, but it also allows judges to dismiss the case and the charges after a short probationary period. Letting them off with such relaxed sentences increases the risks for a repeat offense or even for a future drunk driving car accident.

“We must respond quickly to close this loophole and ensure that repeat drunk drivers are taken off the roads for significant periods of time,” said Coakley.

As it is now, drivers who are convicted with a first-time offense can get an 18-month suspension of their driver’s license among other penalties. The length of the suspension increases with each conviction with a permanent revocation possible at a third drunk driving conviction.

The loophole in our state’s law has let a lot of drivers who fall under these circumstances back on our roadways. Officials believe that nearly 35,000 cases across the state were continued without a finding and the defendants were let back on our roadways in no time at all.

State officials are working to close this loophole with the new proposal. Helping to keep strict penalties on convicted drunk drivers helps to keep those from becoming repeat offenders and helps to keep our roadways safe.
Continue reading

Historically, the rates for drunk driving car accidents in Boston and elsewhere are typically a lot higher on holiday weekends, just like the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

We’ve always seen a significant increase in the number of roadway accidents during this time. Drunk driving-related statistics illustrate that there are more parties during this time, more people have off work and more people drink during these times. Unfortunately, this is also a time when more people get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol, too. Drivers are urged to be cautious and to stay sober behind the wheel over the holiday weekend to help save lives. Drunk driving accidents are completely preventable and we’re hoping drivers help do just that — prevent drunk driving accidents.

During Memorial Day weekend of 2009, there were nearly 500 traffic accident-related fatalities nationwide. Alcohol-related fatalities accounted for about 40 percent of all roadway fatalities recorded during actual Memorial Day that year.

Our Boston drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that residents get to enjoy an extra day off of work over the Memorial Day weekend. We’re asking everyone to enjoy responsibly. The truth of the matter is that drunk driving car accidents are completely preventable. Still, there are more than 10,000 people killed in these kinds of accidents every year. As a matter of fact, someone dies in a drunk driving car accident every 50 minutes. Drinking and driving is never a good idea and oftentimes produces fatal consequences. Be on your best behavior behind the wheel over the weekend and make it a fun, injury-free holiday!

To help to keep drivers safe on our roadways over the Memorial Day weekend, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is here offering safe driving tips. Coincidentally, the number one tip on the Administration’s list is to stay sober behind the wheel.

More Tips for a Safe Memorial Day on our Roadways:

-Never drink and drive!

-Make sure your tires are properly inflated. This is a time when a lot of residents and visitors take road trips. Make sure your tires are in good condition to help to avoid an accident.

-Keep your windshield clean. You want to maximize your ability to see your surroundings when traveling along our roadways. Keeping clean windows is an excellent way to do that.

-Buckle up! Make sure that everyone’s buckled up during every car ride. Seat belts save lives.

-Get plenty of rest. Never drive when you’re feeling tired, stressed or emotional. You want to have a clear and conscious mind behind the wheel at all times.

During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, there’s going to be a lot of officers on our roadways, too. They’re going to be on the lookout for drunk drivers, speedy drivers and other drivers who break road laws. Be on your best behavior behind the wheel to not only avoid a costly citation, but to help to keep our roadways safe. Happy Memorial Day!
Continue reading

Teens are closing up their books and are hitting our roadways in full force with the end of the school year. Proms are wrapping up and teens are walking across the stage for that hard-earned diploma. What they’re doing after that is concerning many and parents are in on it, according to Daily News.

To help to keep our students safe, parents are being targeted. Officials throughout the state are asking parents to refrain from hosting underage drinking parties over the summer break. Oftentimes parents think that it’s okay to serve their graduates alcohol as long as they’re in the safety of their own home. Unfortunately, friends of their teens are oftentimes hop on our roadways to head home afterwards. This is a commonality regarding teen drunk driving accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

Our Boston drunk driving accident lawyers understand that it’s illegal in all 50 states to provide alcohol to a minor. In the state of Massachusetts, it’s illegal to not only provide the booze to our young ones, but it’s also illegal to allow them to possess it on your property. If you’re busted letting your teen or their friends drink at your place, you can face a $2,000 fine. If one of these kids gets into an accident after consuming alcohol you’ve provided or after consuming alcohol on your property then you’re in a whole heck of a lot more trouble. In Essex County, many parents, guardians and other adults have been charged, prosecuted and have even served jail time for allowing minors to consume alcohol.

According to a recent release in the New England insurance industry’s weekly publication The Standard, “The Risks of Providing Alcohol, or, A Place To Consume Alcohol, to Minors,” there are a whole slew of risks associated with allowing minors to drink.

Every year, there are thousands of car accidents involving intoxicated teen drivers. It’s important for parents to slam on the brakes when it comes to teens and booze. As a matter of fact, teens that are allowed by parents to consume alcohol have a higher risk of dealing with alcohol problems as adults, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Officials in Essex County spend much of their time talking with teens, teachers, law enforcement officers and educators about the dangers of underage drinking.

At all levels of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), the risk of involvement in an auto accident is greater for teens than for older drivers.

Parents are asked to stay involved in their teen’s driving. Know who they’ll be with, where they’ll be going, when they’ll be home and what they’ll be doing. Parental involvement is one of the best ways to keep our teens safe behind the wheel.
Continue reading

Cinco de Mayo is right this week and you better believe that residents and visitors to the City of Boston will be hitting the town to celebrate this wild holiday. You can bet there’s going to be a lot of tequila shots passed around. According to PubCrawls.com, Cinco de Mayo celebrators are urged to get up, move around and engage in a pub crawl for this year’s big event! And everyone knows that the Boston’s bar scene is perfect for that. Local businesses are already starting to prepare for one of the most anticipated events of the year — the Cinco de Mayo Boston Pub Crawl.

While everyone may be scurrying around planning for the big event, residents, visitors and celebrators are urged to plan out their big day/night. Make sure you have a sober ride home to help you to avoid a potentially fatal car accident in Boston. Cinco de Mayo serves as one of the most dangerous times to be on our roadways,

Our Boston drunk driving accident attorneys are urging all those who are participating in this year’s celebration to consider the options. There are plenty of ways to go out, enjoy some drinks and avoid a potentially fatal car accident. There is public transportation, including buses, trains, subways, shuttles and taxis and there are other options like calling a friend or a family member, staying over at a friend’s house or even renting a hotel room. With all of these options available, make sure your Cindo de Mayo plans don’t include drinking and driving. It could wind up being a deadly decision.

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is here to offer some safety tips for the big day if you’re planning on drinking:

-Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before you head out for the event.

-Make sure you eat before drinking. Go out and grab some of your favorite Mexican food.

-If you’re plans change and you’re left without a designated driver, consider calling a friend, calling a family member or calling a cab to come get you.

-Use mass transit. In Boston, that’s one of the most simple and safest ways to get around. Take advantage of it!

-If someone you love has been drinking and is reaching for their keys, be sure to step in and take their keys away from them. Your intervention can help to save life.

If you aren’t planning on drinking during Cinco de Mayo, remember that others are. If you think you spot a drunk driver on our roadways, be sure to report them to local authorities. Your call can help to save lives on our roadways during this fun-filled celebration.
Continue reading

A teenage driver is facing a slew of charges after a drunk driving car accident that happened over the weekend. The accident was the result of a police chase and two prior accidents in Beverly.

According to ABC5, the first collision happened just before 2:00 a.m. near Cabot Street. After slamming into that car, reports indicate, the young driver got out of his vehicle and confronted the occupants of the other vehicle with a baseball bat.

When officers finally arrived on scene, the teen driver had already left. They were able to catch up with him a little later on Dodge Street where he had already rammed his car into a telephone pole and then into a house. The collisions caused a small fire. Occupants of the home were sleeping when the vehicle struck.

“I heard a big bang, I thought the transformer blew but it didn’t blow, he just came flying in,” said one of the home’s residents.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys have been talking lately about the risks that teenagers have for accidents on our roadways during this time of the year. We’re talking about their risks for accidents associated with the prom, the gradation and the summer season.

Luckily, there were no injuries reported in the Beverly accidents. The teen driver did try to flee the scene after slamming into the home, but was busted by local officers. Reports state that he tried to jump some neighborhood fences to escape, but was so drunk that he was unable to do so.

The young and intoxicated driver is now facing charges including leaving the scene of an accident, speeding, resisting arrest, driving under the influence.

As we recently reported, teen drivers may not be old enough to legally purchase alcohol or to even drink it, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get their hands on it and that they won’t consume it. As a matter of fact, teens face a higher risk for alcohol-related accidents that any other age group of drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). About a third of all drivers between the ages of 15- and 20-years-old who were killed in car accidents in 2006 were under the influence of alcohol when the collision happened.

Parents are asked to step in and speak up about the risks our teens are facing during this time of the year on our roadways. Make sure you know who your teen is traveling with, where they’re going and when they’ll be home. Staying in the know will help to keep your teen safe and help to cut off any opportunities for them to get their hands on any alcohol.
Continue reading