How to Spot a Drunk Driver: A Guide to Keeping Roads Safe
Driving requires attention, skill, and, most importantly, sobriety. Unfortunately, not all drivers adhere to this last principle, posing significant risks to themselves and others on the road. Drunk driving remains a critical concern across the nation, leading to countless accidents and tragedies each year. As vigilant citizens and responsible drivers, it’s crucial to recognize the […]
DWI Chemical Tests and the Two-Hour Rule
DWI Chemical Tests In general, there are three tests used as evidence in DWI cases: blood tests, breath tests, and urine tests. A chemical test refers to any analysis of the chemistry of blood, breath or urine to determine the blood alcohol content of a defendant. A DWI chemical test in New York is presumed […]
How Accurate Are Breathalyzers?
For years, chemical breath tests have been a widely used by law enforcement to test drivers’ blood alcohol content (BAC) levels. Whenever a police officer pulls over a driver on suspicion of drunk or impaired driving, the breath test is typically one of the first tests used to check BAC. Although “Breathalyzer” is technically the […]
Has Alcohol Sensing Technology Gone Too Far?
What if an ignition interlock were installed on every car? The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has just unveiled new technology designed to eliminate drunk driving once and for all. Through advanced breath and touch-based sensors that would read a driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) before the car is started. But is the recommendation that […]
DWIs & Ignition Interlock Devices
Any New York driver convicted of driving while intoxicated charge (DWI) can be required to install and maintain an ignition interlock device on their vehicle. These devices are used to punish DWI offenders and prevent future DWIs. What is an ignition interlock device, then? And when could you be required to install and use one? […]
Facts About Breathalyzer Tests in New York State
Traditionally, law enforcement authorities have requested that motorists suspected of intoxication perform sobriety tests, such as walking a straight line, putting a finger to the nose, or balancing on one foot. This is in order to corroborate their conclusion of intoxication of the motorist based on objective findings. In addition to any physical tests, chemical […]
Understanding DWI Checkpoints
Sobriety checkpoints have become more prevalent in the past ten years, especially in the state of New York. Advocates for the continued use of DWI checkpoints focus their discussion on the effectiveness of the DWI checkpoints ability to deter drunk driving. Those who protest DWI checkpoints often focus on the constitutionality of the stops. In […]
New York Sobriety Checkpoints
The police are permitted to use roadblocks to stop drivers at specified locations to identify alcohol-impaired drivers. These locations are called sobriety checkpoints. Sobriety checkpoints are often established at times when drinking and driving are very prevalent, such as holidays and weekends. Sobriety checkpoints are a visible way that law enforcement agencies try to deter […]
Chemical Breath Test: Pros and Cons
Getting stopped by the police is a scary experience for anyone. This article is intended to give motorists some background information regarding traffic stops and any subsequent investigation by police. However, the main purpose of this article is to describe the differences between a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which usually occurs on the roadside, and […]
