Clearwater DUI Attorney Kevin Hayslett, of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A., Warns Drivers DUI Charges Can Include Both Alcohol and Drugs
Clearwater, FL (PRWEB) August 11, 2015 -- Although law enforcement spots fewer drugged drivers than drunk drivers, driving under the influence of any substance—illegal or prescribed—is equally as dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2013-2014 National Roadside Survey found that over 22 percent of drivers tested positive for illegal, prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In order to reduce the risk of drugged driving this year, a nationwide campaign is encouraging law enforcers to place drugged driving prevention efforts on par with those of drunk driving.
Leading Clearwater DUI attorney Kevin Hayslett of Carlson, Meissner, Hart and Hayslett P.A., recognized as a “Top Rated DUI Attorney” by AVVO, expresses his concern for the amount of drug-related DUI charges he anticipates for Tampa Bay area drivers. “Laws are put in place to keep us out of harm,” Hayslett said. “Drivers need to be aware of the penalties they will face if they mistakenly drive while under the influence of any substance, including regular prescription medication.”
The White House has set a goal to reduce the rate of drugged driving by 10 percent in 2015. This includes working with the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) to highlight the epidemic and enforce strict drugged driving regulations. Main points of this strategy are to encourage states to adopt Per Se drug impairment laws, enhance drugged driving education among communities and professionals, increase training of law enforcement on identifying drugged drivers and to develop standard screening methods for drug-testing labs to use in detecting the presence of drugs.
Although the rate of fatal accidents caused by alcohol has always been higher than those caused by other drugs, commonly used illegal and prescription drugs still cause equal damage when ingested by the driver because they may impair the driver’s perception, judgment, motor skills and memory. According to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 9.9 million people aged 12 or older reported driving under the influence of illicit drugs during the year prior to being surveyed.
As part of the initiative to reduce drugged driving throughout the country, ONDCP will continue to conduct further research. Communities may also join the fight to reduce this threat of public safety by participating in the various coalitions and organizations put in place as resources to prevent drug-related tragedies in their area.
If you have been charged with DUI, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, contact Tampa DUI attorney Kevin Hayslett for a free initial consultation at (877) 728-9653. Trust our DUI lawyers to protect your freedom and your future.
About Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett , P.A. - The law firm of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett P.A. was founded in 1971 by attorneys Ed Carlson and Paul Meissner. For more than four decades, they have been committed to protecting the injured and defending the accused. Their attorneys have established a solid reputation of case success throughout Florida, providing strong legal representation, easy accessibility and a high level of dependability. A client-centered approach ensures that clients know what is happening as their case progresses, and understand their options every step of the way. With a focus on personal injury, they help victims of auto accidents, slip and falls and wrongful death accidents. The firm is well-known for their innovative criminal defense and DUI work, defending both local and high-profile clients. Attorney and Partner Kevin Hayslett is widely recognized as The Attorney to the Stars, providing strong legal representation for notable celebrities and dignitaries throughout Florida. The firm also handles social security disability, workers compensation, divorce, family law and immigration cases. They offer free initial consultations and have five convenient Tampa Bay Area locations. Attorneys are available 24/7 for emergencies. Count on the legal team of Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A. to be there, fighting for you, protecting your rights. For more information or to schedule a consultation, call 877-728-9653 or visit their website at http://www.CarlsonMeissner.com
MaryAnn Bounacos, Carlson, Meissner, Hart & Hayslett, P.A., http://www.carlsonmeissner.com, +1 727-443-1562, [email protected]
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