The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Center for Disease Control (CDC) have released reports about hazards of “drowsy driving”. Both of these are high risk behaviors that can result in serious injury or death involving auto accidents.

While drowsy driving is not a crime itself, it could lead to the commission of serious vehicular crimes such as DUI charges, reckless endangerment, aggravated assault, or vehicular homicide.

Warning signs of both driving drowsy and DUI are often similar in nature. Drowsy driving can lead to DUI charges, even if a person was not in fact, impaired to the slightest degree due to intoxicating alcohol or drugs.

How to avoid Drowsy Driving

• Recognition of warning signs and prevention;
• Get adequate sleep. Drivers should ensure that they get enough sleep (7-9 hours)
• Be aware of increased risks such as commercial driving, long shifts or nightshift work;
• Seek medical attention for untreated sleep disorders;
• Do not drive while under the influence of sedating medications;
• Do not drink spirituous liquor prior to or while driving;
• Take precautions and prepare for days or nights of long distance driving such as getting extra rest and sleep before driving;
• If you are a high risk driver due to your work hours, arrange for alternative rides home with a friend or family member, bus, taxi, or other trusted and responsible person.
• If you are in a high risk group for driving get enough rest and sleep before and after your shift.
• If you are driving and unexpectedly find you are driving drowsy, pull over in a safe place will lit location; preferably a rest stop or motel if possible, to sleep until you are feeling alert enough to drive again.

Warning Signs of Driving Drowsy

• Frequent yawning;
• Frequent blinking;
• Difficulty remembering the past few miles you drove;
• Missing planned exits;
• Drifting from one’s lane;
• Hitting rumble (wake-up) strips;
• Staring or tunnel vision;
• Inability to remember recently past road signs;
• Drifting or weaving across lanes without realizing it.

DUI v. Drowsy Driving

The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) researchers identified at least 100 driving cues that have been found to be associated with a Drunk Driving, or impaired. The signs or driving behaviors identified were presented and separated into four main categories:

• Weaving or drifting, and problems maintaining proper lane position;
• Speeding or difficulty braking when needed;
• Vigilance problems such inattentiveness;
• Difficulties with Judgment and decision making skills

Many of these signs are displayed by motorists who are driving while drowsy or tired. As result, a police officer could mistakenly suspect that a driver is under the influence of intoxicating alcohol or drugs. If the officer has probable cause to conduct a DUI blood test and trace compounds of a drug defined under Arizona law, in the person’s system, they are at risk of a DUI. Further if a person had only one drink of intoxicating liquor, which did not result in driving impaired to the slightest degree, they could be mistakenly determined to be driving impaired. A non-underage 21 person will be forced to defend their charges in court, even though they were driving drowsy and not impaired due to blood or alcohol.

DUI Defense Attorney for Charges in Gilbert AZ If you have been arrested for DUI, or any vehicular criminal offenses in Arizona, you should retain a qualified and experienced criminal attorney to defend your charges. DUI laws and penalties are among the harshest in the country. Your criminal defense lawyer will defend your charges, and protect your rights. There may be defenses you are not aware of that could lead to a dismissal of charges or other favorable outcome in your case.

Additional Resources:

• Gilbert Arizona Traffic and DUI Unit

• Gilbert AZ Criminal Court Processes

• DUI and Drowsy Driving – Laws and Criminal Defense in Arizona

• National Centers for Disease Control – Drowsy Driving Report January 2013

• National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA)

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Arizona has adopted the guidelines from National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). The guidelines set parameters on organization; administration; a conducting of the stops. This includes which cars to stop. According to NHTSA guidelines the vehicles which will be stopped are pre-determined by city officials or the police. Those vehicles must be chosen by a mathematical formula or sorts, for example, every 3rd vehicle or every other vehicle.

Locations of DUI Task Forces or Checkpoints

Generally the DUI Task forces are set up in areas where high traffic volume is expected. For example in the case of a summer holiday, the Police may set up check points in areas where people may be popular establishments where liquor is sold. This Memorial Day Weekend, some of the DUI Checkpoints include the following areas in Maricopa County:

• Phoenix – Metro and suburbs
• Areas near University of Phoenix Stadium
• Highway leading to Lake Pleasant in Arizona

How to avoid a DUI Task Force Stop
1) The best way to avoid a task force stop is not to drink and drive;
2) Whether you are plan to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is best to avoid a DUI stop if you can. Not many people enjoy the long lines, or the experience in general. You can check your local media website, police departments, County websites, and even social media outlets on the internet;
3) NHTSA also requires that signs be readily present and posted near the Checkpoint. Stay vigilant if you should approach one, and take another route if possible;
4) If you did not plan to drink and drive, but find you are in that position, call on a friend or family member or taxi to take you home;
5) If you know in advance you will be consuming liquor, make plans in advance for a designated driver, or alternative arrangements to get home safely. Judgment decisions are always more prudent when a person not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

DUI Lawyer Phoenix AZ

If you are arrested for DUI in Phoenix AZ, you should consult a criminal defense attorney to discuss your matter and defense options. Arizona has strict laws and hrsh penalties for DUI. You will need a legal advocate to represent you in court. There are defenses that can be used combat DUI charges. With experienced and effective legal representation you will increase your chances of getting a good outcome in your case

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Law Office of James Novak
4500 S. Lakeshore Drive
Tempe AZ 85282
(480) 413-1499
www.Arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com
www.novakazlaw.com
Arizona DUI, DWI, Drunk Driving & Criminal Defense Firm
Serving Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa, Phoenix & Scottsdale AZ

“An Extreme DUI charge may be reduced or dismissed with a good AZ DUI lawyer“.

An AZ DUI charge will be escalated to an “Extreme DUI” charge when A DUI when the body’s Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) exceeds 0.15%. The levels are usually determined by a breathalyzer test or blood test. A BAC exceeds 0.20 is designated as a “Super Extreme” which carries even more severe penalties and incarceration time. If you have been charged with any kind of extreme DUI, it is critical that you consult the best Arizona DUI Attorney you can find. Make sure the AZ DUI Attorney is well versed and defends extreme DUI cases frequently in the jurisdiction, county, or court for which you have been assigned to appear.

The consequences of an AZ extreme DUI are devastating and among some of the most severe in the county. Arizona prosecutors want convictions. Know that just because you have been charged, does not mean you will be convicted. If you have been charged with an AZ extreme DUI first offense, here are your options:

A. Do nothing. Accept that you could potentially receive up to the max for first offense: 1) Minimum 30 days jail and up to 6 months, 2) vehicle impound 3) Ignition interlock device 4) Ninety days driver’s license suspension 5) Mandatory alcohol/drug counseling 6) Probation B. Ignore your court date, and fail to appear at the required date and time. This will result in an immediate warrant issued by the judge for your arrest.

C. Go to court unrepresented by a good private practice AZ criminal defense or AZ DUI Attorney. This is extremely risky and dangerous. The results can land you with the maximum penalties. The prosecutors know the protocol, the evidence, how to argue your case, how to get you to incriminate yourself, how to make their case stronger, and will ignore any weaknesses or flaws in your case. You will most likely end up with the results in option A. above.

D. Hire the best AZ criminal defense or AZ DUI Attorney you can find to fight for you and defend your case. Hire an experienced AZ DUI lawyer to defend your Arizona DUI charges. A good DUI attorney will fight to get your charges completely dismissed, reduced, or in the least a much better outcome in your case. There are many defenses that can be used, and evidentiary issues that can be challenged to accomplish this.

A good AZ DUI Attorney will examine evidence or lack thereof; determine if there were any violations of your constitutional rights, reason for the DUI stop, probable cause for your arrest, handling of all evidence, crime lab methods of testing, proper implementation of field sobriety tests, reliability of testing, maintenance and reliability of breathalyzer machines, and many more factors. You will not get the benefit of having these factors evaluated or the evidence challenged without a good private practice Arizona Criminal Defense or DUI attorney. A good private practice DUI Lawyer may be able to challenge such issues to suppress evidence, get your case dismissed, a “not guilty”, or a reduction of your AZ DUI charges. Option D. gives you the greatest chance at freedom and a new start without devastation of an AZ DUI conviction.

If you have been charged with any Arizona DUI, Extreme DUI, Repeat Offense DUI, Under age 21 DUI, DUI with child under 15 in vehicle, Aggravated Felony DUI, Drug, Felony Drug, Dangerous Drug, Narcotics, Marijuana, any Arizona DUI, Arizona Drug DUI, or any other criminal charge including theft, assault, aggravated assault, domestic violence, drugs crimes, probation violations, robbery, computer crimes, ID theft crimes, or any other criminal charges contact the Law Office of James Novak, for your Free Consultation at (480) 413-1499. Speak directly with experienced Scottsdale, Arizona criminal Defense and DUI Defense Attorney and James Novak (Former Prosecutor). The Law Office of James Novak is devoted to handling 100% DUI, Drug & criminal cases in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Arizona , Arizona , and surrounding areas valley-wide. This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstance.