Tennessee Continues to Strengthen Punishments for Drunk Drivers

Drunk driving is a serious problem in Tennessee and across the United States. Drunk drivers put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death and can face severe legal consequences if caught and convicted. Despite efforts to prevent drunk driving through public awareness campaigns, increased law enforcement, and stricter laws, the problem persists.

In Tennessee, drunk driving continues to be a major concern for law enforcement officials and the public alike. The state has implemented various measures to combat drunk driving, such as sobriety checkpoints, no-refusal initiatives, and ignition interlock laws. However, despite these efforts, the number of drunk driving incidents in Tennessee remains high, which has spurred on for a new law to be created.

What is the new law?

Just this month, a new law was passed in Tennessee which  states “that it is illegal for a person to knowingly provide a vehicle to another person who is under the influence. Also, if that driver hits or kills another person, the person who allowed the intoxicated individual to drive will be punished.” This law, HB 1198, was passed in honor of a family who was killed by a drunk driver on their way to the hospital to give birth to their child.

Penalties for letting a drunk person drive your car include:

• 1st offense. May result in a minimum of 48 hours in jail.
• 2nd offense. May result in a minimum of 72 hours in jail.
• 3rd and subsequent offenses. May result in a minimum of seven consecutive days in jail.

This new law, along with the recent passage of “Ethan, Hailey, and Bentley’s Law” – which requires drunk drivers who cause fatalities to pay child support for any children of the victims – shows just how seriously the State is cracking down on offenders.

The implementation of this law is good news to all of us who want safer roads for everyone – other drivers, pedestrians, roadside workers, and everyone else on the road.

Drunk driving in Tennessee

For a long time, driving under the influence (DUI) has been a problem in Tennessee. According to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, there were around 6,076 alcohol-related crashes in the state in 2022, resulting in 267 fatalities.

When someone drives drunk, they are 14 times more likely to be involved in a motor vehicle crash, 12 times as likely to be unbuckled, and 5.7 times more likely to crash into a fixed object.

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Tennessee is 0.08%. If a driver is found to have a BAC above this limit, they can be charged with DUI. The consequences of a DUI conviction in Tennessee can be severe, including fines, jail time, and the loss of driving privileges.

What are other drunk driving laws in Tennessee?

Tennessee has taken steps to combat drunk driving by implementing various laws and initiatives. For example, the state has an implied consent law, which means that by operating a motor vehicle on Tennessee’s roads, drivers have already consented to a chemical test to determine their BAC if suspected of driving under the influence. Refusal to take a chemical test can result in the automatic suspension of a driver’s license.

Tennessee also has a law known as the “no refusal” law, which allows law enforcement officials to obtain a search warrant to obtain a blood sample from a suspected drunk driver who refuses to take a breathalyzer or chemical test. This law helps to ensure that drivers who are under the influence of alcohol are held accountable for their actions.

Despite these measures, drunk driving remains a significant problem in Tennessee. In 2020, alcohol-related crashes accounted for nearly 20% of all traffic fatalities in the state. Moreover, research indicates that a high percentage of drivers involved in fatal crashes had alcohol or drugs in their system.

In 2019, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) launched the “Booze It and Lose It” campaign, which aimed to reduce drunk driving during the holidays. The campaign included increased law enforcement patrols and sobriety checkpoints.

In addition, Tennessee has a law known as the “Ignition Interlock Device Law,” which requires drivers convicted of DUI to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle. This device requires drivers to blow into a breathalyzer before starting their car. If the device detects alcohol on their breath, the car will not start.

Overall, drunk driving is a serious problem in Tennessee, with significant consequences for individuals and society as a whole. Tennessee’s laws and initiatives have made progress in addressing this issue, but there is still work to be done to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes and fatalities on the state’s roads. It is essential that drivers make responsible choices and do not get behind the wheel after drinking, and that people do not let others drink and drive. It is certain that law enforcement officials will continue to crack down on drunk driving through education, enforcement, and the implementation of effective laws and initiatives.

At Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, our knowledgeable Nashville personal injury lawyers know exactly how to handle insurance company costs and hospital bills from a drunk driving accident that comes your way. We can accurately evaluate the value of your claim and seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance company. They will help you obtain a settlement that can easily take care of the proper cost of your care and give you every penny you deserve. You are entitled to damages for ALL your medical bills, plus your lost wages and your pain and suffering. We fight to make sure you get it all.

Rocky McElhaney Law Firm fights for you and your future at every step. We want our roads to be safer, and our Nashville injury lawyers are here to help. To schedule a free consultation, call us or use our contact page. We proudly serve our community through our offices in Nashville, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, and Clarksville.