Mention the city Las Vegas and many people have the image of the glimmering lights on high-rise luxurious hotels, located up and down Las Vegas Blvd. The Strip attracts tourists to come and stay in hotels, gamble, enjoy lavish nightclubs, and take advantage of alcoholic drink specials. On the Strip, alcohol consumption laws are relatively lax in comparison to other states. As an example: according to Nevada Statute, NRS 458.260, public intoxication is legal and is not considered a criminal offense.
Here are some additional stipulations in the state’s liquor laws:
- Alcohol may be sold 24 hours a day
- No statewide open container laws
- Grocery stores may sell beer, wine, and hard liquor
While many of these points may seem like a recipe for disaster, you may be relieved to know that injuries and fatalities from motor vehicle crashes are on the decline throughout the state. Strict DUI laws also help contribute to this and heavily punish those convicted of drunk driving. You can further help the effort by staying informed, which can help keep yourself safe from the negative repercussions of drunk driving.
Weighing the Facts
In Nevada, drivers whose blood-alcohol content (BAC) measures .08% or higher can be convicted of driving under the influence. Drunk drivers play a role in more than 40% of accidents, and about 30% of those end in fatalities. The state still carries one of the highest rates of DUI compared to other states.
Considering the heavy costs that drunk drivers could face, one might think that it would deter people from getting behind the wheel. Unfortunately, this happens much too frequently, accounting for why the percentage of drunk driving accidents is so high.
How You Can Help Prevent an Accident
If you have been drinking, make sure that you have a designated driver; otherwise find a taxi or other transportation service to take you home safely. Don’t let your friends get behind the wheel if you know they have been drinking either.
Drunk drivers can be easily recognized and you may suspect a driver is drunk if you see them zigzagging, taking up two different lanes, moving too slowly, or speeding. After seeing these types of behaviors, you can be better prepared to avoid them. Additionally, If you suspect a motorist is drunk or impaired, you can report the driver to authorities.
These are just some of the steps you can take to not only avoid a car collision, but also help others from getting into accidents with drunk drivers. If you would like more information, do not hesitate to talk to our car accident attorneys at Shook & Stone! Contact us today to discuss your case.
