After reading a few articles on drunk driving which involves one or more people driving, often with the DUI driver surviving, this has motivated me to write this article. Since at the time of the writing of this article in early June 2010 we have yet to see half of this year to go by.
Most people in the US know of the glamor and lights of Las Vegas and also know this is a town which never sleeps and has the availability to buy a drink from a bar, casino, or even your local convenience store at any time of the day. That’s right, a 24 hour town.
Some of the downside of this is over indulgence of consuming alcohol. This can be performed by a local person who is used to the availability of a drink at any time of the day, or by a visitor who is all too familiar with the 1:30 last call and no more serving of drinks after 2:00 AM (earlier in some counties).
Also, with the BAC level in Nevada for legally operating a vehicle is 0.10, unlike most of the US which is at 0.08. It may appear that Nevada (and cities like Las Vegas or Reno) is more tolerant of drinking.
A recent study ranking all US cities across the US on the drunkest cities found that Reno, NV ranked #2 and Las Vegas, NV not too far behind as #11. Also, in 2008 one-third of all traffic fatalities occurring in Las Vegas were alcohol related. And this can happen at any time of the day, and not just limited to night-time or early morning hours.
So be extra careful when driving in Las Vegas (and Reno too). That driver may have had a few too many to drink even though you are doing your 7:00 AM jog.
By: Kevin Dunlap