Christmas parties are common this time of year, and alcohol is frequently on the menu at many parties. While drunk driving is never acceptable, some people may find themselves getting behind the wheel after having a drink or two.
DUI checkpoints can help catch drunk drivers and prevent them from causing a devastating car accident. Keep reading below to learn more details about Christmas DUI checkpoints in Tacoma, WA.
What Is a DUI Checkpoint?
A DUI checkpoint is essentially a roadblock where police stop all the cars passing through. Officers at the checkpoint will typically ask drivers for their license and registration. They might also ask you some other basic questions, such as where you are coming from or where you are going.
What Do Officers Look for During a DUI Checkpoint?
DUI checkpoints are primarily used to catch drunk drivers. However, they might also be used to look for drugs or other illegal substances.
DUI checkpoints are commonly used at times when drunk driving is more common, such as around the holidays. Some DUI checkpoints stop every vehicle passing through, while others might stop every second or third vehicle.
Officers will be looking for any signs of impaired or drunk driving, such as:
- Bloodshot eyes
- Slurred speech
- Smell of alcohol
- Slow response times
If they suspect you are driving under the influence, they will likely pull you aside. You may then be asked to perform field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer test.
What to Expect From DUI Checkpoints
Here is what you can generally expect from DUI checkpoints:
- When and where: Checkpoints may be established on various city streets, especially on nights around Christmas when drinking is more likely to occur
- Random stops: At the checkpoint, the police might stop every vehicle that comes through. However, they might only stop every second or third vehicle as a random sampling.
- Required documents: When stopped at a DUI checkpoint, you will typically need to provide your license and registration. The officer might also ask you some basic questions about your travel activity that evening.
- Sobriety tests: If you are suspected of driving under the influence, you will be asked to perform field sobriety tests or take a breathalyzer test.
These checkpoints may also be used to detect drug use. If drug use is suspected, additional testing might be required.
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal?
Although DUI checkpoints are legal in many states, they are generally not allowed in Washington state. The Washington State Constitution offers strong privacy protections, and the Washington Supreme Court has ruled that DUI checkpoints violate these protections. Some lawmakers are looking for ways to reinstate DUI checkpoints in the state, but these new checkpoints would have to navigate strict legal rules.
Instead of DUI checkpoints, the police in Tacoma often use saturation patrols. This means that they focus a large number of police officers in a small area and target their efforts specifically to look for drunk drivers. This type of patrol is perfectly legal and can also be effective in identifying and stopping drunk drivers.
What to Do if You Are Hurt in a Drunk Driving Accident
If you find yourself as the victim of a drunk driving accident, you may be wondering what to do next. First, you should get immediate medical treatment for your injuries and go ahead and call the police. The police can respond to the scene to create an accident report and handle any driving violations, such as a DUI.
Next, take photos at the scene, including all the vehicles and your injuries if possible. You should go ahead and notify your insurance company of the accident, but do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company without talking to a personal injury lawyer.
Finally, get help from a lawyer who can help you pursue maximum compensation. You may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages for your injuries.
Contact the Tacoma DUI Accident Lawyers at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer for Help Today
If you need help navigating a personal injury claim after a drunk driving accident, Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer is here to help. Our Tacoma DUI accident attorneys will fight tirelessly to get the recovery you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
For more information, contact an experienced car accident lawyer at Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer to schedule a free initial consultation. We have convenient locations in Seattle and Tacoma, Washington.
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Seattle
701 5th Ave Suite 4300A, Seattle, WA 98104
(253) 948-0250
Darrell Cochran Personal Injury Lawyer – Tacoma
909 A St Ste 700A, Tacoma, WA 98402
(253) 264-0225