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By ArizonaDUI.com, May 10, 2010 1:48 pm

A high school teenager who had been in a collision with a drunken driver this past Thursday died in the hospital over the weekend.

Cody Bishop, 18, was driving his van near the intersection of Ray and Rural Roads in Chandler when he was struck by a Chevy pickup around 10:15 p.m. Thursday night.

Flickr user Dawn Endico

Police said the driver of the truck, Steven Landrum, 23, was driving at 80 to 90 miles per hour on a road with a 45-mph speed limit. The vehicles collided and the teenager’s vehicle rolled several times.

Eighteen-year-old Bishop received severe brain injuries and was flown to a nearby hospital that Thursday night, where he remained on life support until Saturday night.

Bishop died Sunday morning when his body gave up and could no longer ward off the severity of his injuries. He was a senior at Corona del Sol High School in Tempe.

Landrum, who was hospitalized with minor injuries and later released, has been charged on suspicion of manslaughter and booked into a Maricopa County jail.

Chandler police said Landrum was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

This is a tragic example of how drinking and driving can ruin lives.

Bishop was just about to graduate high school and had his entire life left to live. Who knows what incredible journey he was about to embark on and where the future would have led him.

Similarly, Landrum’s decision to drink and drive has landed him in some serious trouble as well. He faces long-term jail time but more pressing is this young man’s death on his conscience for the rest of his life.

Please be smart about drinking and driving and know that it’s never worth it. And remember, even if you are sober, there very likely could be intoxicated drivers on the roads that you need to be weary of.

This is a sad example of how your decisions can have horrible consequences for others.

This post was intended to provide general information only and is not intended as specific legal advice. You should not rely upon this information alone, but should consult legal counsel regarding the application of the laws and regulations discussed and as applied to your specific case or circumstance.

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By thoug, December 23, 2009 9:48 am

Along with the fun of sharing joyous times with friends and family, and toasting the holidays, comes responsibility. Consider reminding yourself, those that you love and your friends how important it is to refrain from indulging in alcoholic beverages (and/or drugs) and getting behind the wheel.

You’ll be glad you were called a party pooper the minute someone needs a ride home and can count on you to get the job done – without putting yourself or others on the road at risk. Nothing can ruin a festive holiday season like a driving accident or DUI arrest. Not to mention, you’ll be spared the awful hangovers too.

Driving under the influence results in a substantial amount of annual fatalities in Arizona, and throughout the country. Keep in mind that, by far, the highest percentage of DUI arrests occur in December. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are 36 alcohol- related traffic fatalities on a typical day. But on New Year’s Eve, there are 54.

Setting up a designated driver system is easy:

• Recruit designated drivers among partygoers and calculate how many people will need rides. See if the geographic areas where people live, and the number of drinkers, work out so that everyone can get a safe ride home.
• Have cab company phone numbers handy so you can help provide prompt service. Certainly assist people in calling if they hesitate to call themselves.
• If you are at a bar, be aware that it takes longer to feel the effects of alcohol after someone has eaten, especially if it was a fatty meal. A few beers consumed during a meal can catch up with a driver.

Relish the wonderful holiday spirit. But always keep track of exactly how much alcohol you have consumed over a specific timeframe. Sometimes it’s easy to lose track. If you are unsure, always err on the side of caution and get a ride from a dependable, sober driver.

We see it every holiday season at the Beauchamp Law Offices… an increase in DUI arrests. We hope you won’t need our services, but if you do, we are here to ensure your rights are enforced. Happy Holidays!

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By thoug, December 22, 2009 9:58 am

It’s bad enough for a man to get a DUI. But if that man is wearing high heels, a skirt and a push-up bra, he’s got even more explaining to do. If it does happen to you, try not to fumble for your purse, of course.

Federal Judge Robert Soma, (now former judge) was driving his Mercedes-Benz E320 when he rear-ended a pick-up and tested over .08 for blood-alcohol content. And, the cross dresser tore his fishnets and lost his balance when he couldn’t properly stand in his heels when he got out of the car.

Surely the New Hampshire arresting officer was taken aback. Makes you wonder if it’s worth it (for both men and women) to carry some flats to slip into just in case?

In all seriousness, keeping your license and registration handy in your car is very important because the officer will be paying very close attention to how easily (or poorly) you produce these materials. Promptly retrieving the documents gets you off on the right foot, even if you’re wearing heels.

On a more somber note, the Orlando Sentinel recently reported a young woman received 15 years in prison, and more than $7,000 in fines, for a DUI resulting in manslaughter. And to make matters worse, she chose to resist the officer with violence, fled and was eventually caught.

According to the Dec. 4, 2009 edition of the Sentinel, Erika Selman “was sentenced to five years in prison, to run concurrent with the 15-year sentence, for the resisting violence charge…”

Nothing good can happen when you get arrested for a DUI, so much of what must be done is to minimize the damages. When you try to resist or run, it only makes matters worse. It is highly likely that a person who shows respect and remorse, and does not flee, will receive a more acceptable sentence. Although Ms. Selman may not look like a bad person in her jail photo, there’s no doubt that alcohol can have extreme effects.

Remember to always be prepared and respectful if you are pulled over for DUI in Arizona, or any state for that matter. And, be sure to find yourself a DUI lawyer who can ensure your rights are protected.