Steven M. Gursten Automobile Accidents Law Blog on Lawyers.com

Michigan Drunk and Buzzed Driving Laws

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 by Steven M. Gursten

There can be devastating consequences of car crashes after a driver has “just a drink or two.” The science is very clear that just a few drinks and driving with a “buzz” significantly impairs your ability for good driving judgment, as well as your ability to perceive and react behind the wheel.

December 12th was the start of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) drunk driving prevention campaign. The heart of this campaign is to educate the public that buzzed driving is considered drunk driving.

According to the NHTSA, 32,885 people were killed in auto accidents in 2010. Of those fatalities, 31% (10,228) involved alcohol-impaired drivers.

Data also shows that 70% of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities occurred when the driver’s blood alcohol concentration was .15 grams per deciliter or higher.

BAC levels and penalties for drunk driving in Michigan

Getting caught for drunk driving can also result in arrest, jail time, loss of driving privileges, higher insurance rates, lost time at work, court costs, fines and many other unwanted consequences.

Last week, I wrote a safety blog about National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month with information about laws and penalties for drunk driving in Michigan.

Remember, in Michigan, it’s illegal to drive with a bodily alcohol content of 0.08 or more. This crime is one of the driving while intoxicated offenses.

And if you’re a teenager, it’s illegal to drive with a bodily alcohol content of 0.02 or more.

So a few sips to a couple of beers could really get you into some serious trouble.

Here’s more information on Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.

When you drink and drive, you’re putting your life and the lives of others at risk. Please be responsible, and don’t let your holiday celebrations end in tragedy.

Steven Gursten is an auto accident attorney for Michigan Auto Law. He frequently writes and speaks about Michigan no fault laws.

Posted at 10:33 AM

Topic: Automobile Accidents