Month: August 2017
Could portable breathalyzers prevent DUIs?
A pilot program in Colorado aims to prevent subsequent DUI arrests among those who’ve already been convicted of drunk driving. The initiative provides portable breathalyzers for personal use, ideally before people climb behind the wheel of a vehicle and risk arrest or a crash. The program aimed to outfit approximately 200 people with prior DUI
Motorcycle crashes: injuries and risk factors
Motorcycles offer lots of freedom to riders. There is nothing between you and the wind, the sun, and the fresh air. Of course, sometimes that comes at a price; there is literally nothing protecting you from injury in the event of an accident. Injuries in motorcycle crashes can be particularly severe because there aren’t barriers
Can you challenge a breathalyzer result?
In order to be found guilty of DUI charges for alcohol intoxication in Tennessee based on your blood alcohol level, the prosecution must prove that you had a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. In Tennessee, this proof comes from either breath or blood testing. DUI convictions come with long-term serious consequences. Even if
Even non-prescription medications can cause serious side effects
When you wake up with a headache or facing cold symptoms, you may reach for an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol, Advil, Aleve or Bayer (or a generic equivalent). You may assume that since these medications are readily available at pharmacies, discount stores, gas stations and supermarkets, they must be safe for
Veterans and in-service asbestos exposure: 3 things to know
Military service is a privilege that comes with all sorts of peril. One of the risks that ought to be better known is in-service asbestos exposure. Such exposure can lead to potentially deadly asbestos-related disease, including lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma (cancer that grows in the thin linings between the lungs), and peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer that
The limitations of field sobriety tests
Many of us have seen, either in person or through a media representation, someone performing a field sobriety test (FST). There are a wide range of standardized and non-standardized tests used by law enforcement agencies across the country. Some FSTs try to evaluate a potential defendant’s mental state, while others assess physical reactions. Common mental/thought
Staying safe around swimming pools and spas
Though summer is winding down, Tennessee’s temperate climate means that many of us still have several more weeks to take advantage of private or public pools to cool off. For many families, the ease of operation of soft-sided above-ground pools has made backyard swimming more accessible than ever before. The fun and relaxation that comes
How does Tennessee treat “open containers”?
The 1998 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA-21) is a federal law to reduce the amount of in-vehicle alcohol consumption. As a result of TEA-21, over 40 jurisdictions now have open container laws that extend to both drivers and passengers. In those areas, no vehicle occupant can have access to an open bottle, can,
Avoiding Summer Road Hazards
Summer is a time to celebrate. Students enjoy a lengthy break, families make memories on the road, teens get their first taste of the work force, and things are just a bit more laid back. Unfortunately, car wrecks peak during the summer months as well. Here are some tips and pointers to help stay safe.
What does it mean to be “in control” of your vehicle?
One of the elements the prosecution must prove to get a DUI conviction is that you were “in control” of the vehicle at the time of the alleged offense. Though the exact definition of what it means to be “in control” varies from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, it is important for you to know that this