Birmingham Injury Law Blog

Category: DUI

Alabama DUI Enforcement Legislation

  • August 18, 2012
  • DUI

In 2011, Alabama became the last state to enact driving under the influence (DUI) legislation that included the use of ignition interlock devices (IIDS).  Under the law, Alabama courts are required to order the installation of IID’s for those first-time offenders whose blood alcohol levels are 0.15 or higher and for all repeat offenders.  An IID is a small device that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system.  The driver needs to blow into the device to submit a breath sam...

Huntsville No. 1 in Alabama for DUI Arrests for 15th Straight Year

  • June 2, 2012
  • DUI

At almost midnight on a Friday night, a stretch of road along Pulaski Pike near Oakwood Avenue is quite busy. The middle of Pulaski Pike is lined with 16 police cars in the turn lane along with a special vehicle known as the Bat Van.  These officers are looking for those drivers who use excessive alcohol or drugs. These officers are part of the Huntsville Police Department’s DUI Unit.  This group has achieved something great for Alabama, something not even Alabama’s football team can claim ...

Detroit Lions Tackle Nick Fairley Arrested in Mobile for 2nd Time in Two Months

  • May 30, 2012
  • DUI

Former Auburn University football player, Nick Fairley, was arrested on May 27, at approximately 1:00 a.m. for driving under the influence and attempting to elude police, claimed Alabama State Troopers. Fairley, 24, the current Detroit Lions defensive tackle, had been traveling 100mph in a black 2010 Escalade and, according to police, refused to yield to emergency lights and siren.  Police say that Fairley showed signs of impairment and was arrested near the intersection of Highway 90 in Til...

Dramshop Law Part of the Temperance Movement

  • May 17, 2012
  • DUI

The dramshop law dates back to the Temperance Movement of the mid-1800’s. The basic principle is that anyone who serves alcohol holds some liability to the safety of others as a result of serving the beverages. Therefore, damages resulting from serving someone too much alcohol, rendering them impaired, makes the establishment that served it liable for the resulting actions. In order for that establishment to be held accountable, there must be proof of their negligence regarding the knowledge...

Two pedestrians hurt, one killed by drunk driver

Ben Flanagan of al.com reports that a Tuscaloosa man has been charged with DUI and vehicular homicide after a traffic accident in which a 28-year-old mother and her two children, ages seven and two, were critically injured while walking along the road’s shoulder. Police say Danny Ray Smith was behind the wheel of the black pickup truck that struck the three pedestrians. Smith pulled over, according to police, and walked to victims before returning to his truck. The mother remains in intens...

National Impaired Driving Prevention Month: Keeping the Holidays Sober and Festive

  • January 20, 2012
  • DUI

It’s that time of year when holiday parties abound and fortified eggnog and other alcoholic beverages are prevalent at almost every gathering. In order to keep your holiday festive and safe, it is best to come up with a designated driver plan before attending a holiday celebration. December has been designated as National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The Montgomery Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD) wishes to raise awareness about the consequences of driving while under ...

New bill aimed at curbing injuries and fatalities due to drunk drivers on the horizon

Mariah’s Act, a US Senate bill intended to fund a variety of additional measures meant to address drunk driving, has recently been approved in committee, clearing the way for consideration by the full Senate. The Act, formally designated S 1449, would call for additional federal incentives meant to encourage wider adoption of policies that require all offenders convicted of DUI to install ignition interlock devices in their cars. The bill also provides additional funds for a number of existi...

Archives