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By thoug, December 16, 2009 10:15 am

What do the flu, common cold and congestion have in common? These conditions are all treatable by substances that can cause a person to either mimic drunk driving or actually drive under the influence. And that, of course, can lead to a DUI arrest.

Drivers who are taking any type of medication should always read the warning labels for their prescriptions, and take them seriously. Even over-the-counter medications can cause DUI-type driving effects or an actual DUI. Those taking medications should be keenly aware that many cold and allergy medicines, as well as flu remedies, decongestants, etc. can lead to impaired driving.

Perhaps we need some new terminology: DOM for driving on medications. Of course, health conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue, severe stress and dozens more can impair driving ability, and legal actions can be taken against these patients. It is unfortunate, but people who have health conditions can sometimes become an unintended menace on the road.

Many people ask, “Are you really guilty of DUI if you haven’t consumed alcohol or controlled substances?” The answer is a definite “yes,” if you are, in fact, impaired. Consider the following excerpts from an Arizona state government website, regarding impaired driving:

• Driving Drowsy – “Nineteen hours without sleep is similar to a BAC of .05% and 24 hours without sleep is similar to a BAC of .10%.”
• It is illegal in Arizona to drive “while under the influence… of any drug… or any combination of liquor, drugs… if the person is impaired to the slightest degree.”
• “It is not a defense to a charge of a violation… that the person is, or has been entitled, to use the drug under the laws of this state.”
• “A person who is convicted of a violation [driving while impaired] is guilty of a class-1 misdemeanor.”

Whether a given substance or health condition impairs driving can be determined on a case-by-case basis by the court systems. People can be found guilty of ingesting anything that they knew or should have known would hinder their driving. Of course, every DUI in Arizona provides a challenge for the driver, and legal consultation helps ensure the driver that the facts of their case are reviewed and their rights are upheld.

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By thoug, December 11, 2009 2:52 pm

Reports by the Associated Press on Dec. 8 will make you rethink the idea that you’ll never get busted for DUI because you drive a low-profile vehicle and go to church every Sunday. In central Pennsylvania, an assumingly Amish man in his early 20s was stopped while in his buggy as it swerved across lanes, only to be found asleep in the horse-drawn vehicle. His BAC was a whopping .18, more than twice the legal limit.

Although you won’t find many buggies cruising the streets of Phoenix, Chandler or Scottsdale, there are some things that can be learned from this…

1. Never drink and drive (for the thousandth time)
2. Never drive when tired. Pull over and take a nap, grab some coffee or call a cab.
3. Remember that you can be arrested for DUI in any type of vehicle – a bicycle or buggy, possibly even a skateboard or comfy chair, depending on the circumstances. It happens fast, and you then all of a sudden you find yourself under arrest and in need of a lawyer.

Buggy DUIs Are Odd, But How About This…

Ever been arrested for driving drunk in a La-Z-Boy chair?

It actually happened in Minnesota, where police arrested a man who said he had eight beers and pleaded guilty. took The actual infamous chair, complete with lawn mower engines, was recently auctioning off on e-Bay.

Although every case is different, and most are unlike this one, DUI attorneys can assure that your rights are protected, whether you are innocent or not. As documented in this blog, being found guilty of an Arizona DUI can lead to jail time, loss of license, heavy fines, interlock devices and a general inability for you to lead a normal life.

The moral of the story is, no matter if you are the nicest guy or gal on the planet, and no matter where or WHAT you are driving, you should be aware that you are not immune to being pulled over and potentially arrested for DUI.