How Can I Avoid a Drunk Driver?
Reader’s Question:
I was told that there are a lot of people who are driving drunk here in Anchorage, Alaska especially at night. How would I spot a drunk driver and respond appropriately?
Dana
Anchorage, AK
According to the findings of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), traffic accidents are the largest single cause of death for people aged five to 27, and almost 50% of these accidents are alcohol-related so it’s good to be vigilant while driving in Anchorage, Alaska especially at night. You have to watch out for cars that make wide turns or zigzag across lanes. be careful of other erratic driving such as delayed responses to traffic signals and rapid braking and accelerating. You also have to be alert to motorists who move in a straight line at an angle to the direction of the road or those who swerve dangerously close to the curb or to objects along the road.
You can look for vehicles that drive in two lanes at once or along the dividing line, or those that drive on the wrong side of or even off the road. You have to watch out for vehicles driving with headlights off at night, those that drive 10 mph or more below the speed limit or that follow you or others too closely. Also, beware of motorists whose signals are inconsistent with their actions. If you spot a drunk driver, stay clear out of that vehicle. You can take note of the plate number and vehicle description then call the police at 911 and report your location, the vehicle’s direction of travel and the driver’s behavior and let the authorities handle the situation.
Tags: DUI, DUI arrest, DUI lawyer
DUI Penalties In Alaska
Reader’s Question:
I was almost arrested for DUI here in Anchorage, Alaska. I am wondering, what are the possible penalties in terms of DUI law violations?
Jerry
Anchorage, AK
Like almost all states in the US impose a harsher penalty especially on drunk driving or driving under the influence of either alcohol or substance. Here in Anchorage, Alaska, the government had been very keen in implementing DUI laws to prevent road accidents. If a person gets arrested for DUI, he will be subject to additional criminal law penalties such as jail time, fines and community service. The worst would be suspension and even revocation of his driver’s license. Suspension of driver’s license can go from a minimum of 90 days up to a maximum of 3 years based on the gravity of the offense as well as the frequency. There is also a great possibility that your vehicle may get confiscated or having an ignition interlock device. Vehicle ignition interlock is a breath-testing device which measures a vehicle operator’s BAC, prevents operation of the vehicle if more than a minimal amount of alcohol is detected (BAC level of .02). DUI offenders are usually required to pay the costs of installation, rental, and maintenance of an ignition interlock device.
These are at least the most common penalties that are being imposed on DUI offenders in Alaska. Just the same, in case you get involved in such DUI cases, I suggest that you seek the counsel of a knowledgeable lawyer that could defend you during proceedings. I also recommend checking for possible affordable auto insurance that caters pre or post DUI cases.
DUI Charge Caused Your Auto Insurance Rate To Increase?
Reader’s Question:
My dad has an auto insurance policy in affect, but after his DUI charge will it affect his annual premium?
Jane
Anchorage, AK
If your dad is currently enrolled in an auto insurance and had that policy in effect, then you don’t have to worry for now. Most insurance companies, especially in Alaska where driving and road regulations are stricter, may do random driving records check. If they find out that their member got arrested or convicted with a DUI, they would either not renew your dad’s contract upon policy expiration or increase premium rates and deductibles. There are several High Risk companies that may take you. These are what we call non-standard companies and usually offer triple increase on premium rates as well as deductibles.
If he is currently enrolled in a preferred insurance company, tell him to sit tight and try to avoid such DUI cases and don’t make any waves. He should keep his premium payments on time and do not let it be canceled. He can check other insurance companies that are not High risk that can offer him better rates for better coverage. But beware that there may be insurance companies that writes new policies that needs to order his driving record and find out about previous driving tickets and DUI cases if there’s any. This may create a huge impact on the cost of the policy. He can check through this web site for available post DUI insurance policies.
DUI Law Highlights In Anchorage Alaska AK
Reader’s Question:
I am doing a research for drunk driving laws here in Anchorage, Alaska as part of my DUI school program, what are the law highlights of DUI laws in this city?
Sarah
Anchorage, AK
Local state laws in Anchorage, Alaska have been stricter than ever. But to give due credits, these harsh policies keeps our roads a safe place for every Alaskans. Major highlights on Alaska DUI laws include a “per se “ Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) level of .08 as of August 25 of 2005. This means that any person found to have at least .08 or more blood-alcohol concentration is already an intoxication in the eyes of the law. This automatically means that there would be no additional proof on driving impairment is required to determine DUI violation. Now if the driver is under the legal drinking age of 21, Alaska implements a Zero Tolerance BAC level and should be at 0.00. That means, the driver should not have any trace of alcohol in the body.
Many states like Alaska impose stricter penalties for DUI offenders with a high BAC at the time of the offense, about 0 .15 to 0.20 percent. DUI offenders with a BAC at or above their state’s penalty standards will likely look up for a longer jail time, higher fines, and more driver’s license sanctions.
Whereas in most cases, people who are found guilty of DUI suffer severe consequences involving their driving privileges. It really helps a lot that we know what constitutes these laws so that every driver in Alaska can have second thoughts on driving under the influence. Having said so, I suggest that a good and reliable auto insurance can be of no additional cost should you keep a DUI free record. Affordable insurance quotations are available on this website.
Tags: auto insurance, auto insurance quotes, drunk driving laws, DUI, DUI lawyer