There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on a motorcycle, with not much between you and the pavement. Yet this is what makes motorcycle transportation one of the most dangerous forms of travel. On average, three motorcyclists are killed every day in the United States as a result of intersection crashes. Motorcycle safety is a big part of preventing accidents and injuries, as well as limiting the seriousness of accidents through preventative measures.

• Always wear a helmet and protective gear while riding.
• Make sure to turn your headlights on when it’s dark out.
• Avoid driving down the center of the lane where debris and oil build up can create slicks.
• Ride safely at proper speed limits.
• Never ride if you’ve been drinking.
• Ride defensively with an eye out for other drivers.

Other drivers should also keep an eye out for motorcycles and safely share the road. Some tips for cars and trucks on the road:

• Look twice for motorcyclists at intersections.
• Exercise caution when entering highways and when changing lanes.
• Always maintain a safe distance behind motorcyclists.
• When passing a motorcyclists, move to the other lane and allow a full lane for the motorcycle.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident, the personal injury lawyers at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience can help you get fair and full compensation for your losses. Call us today for a free consultation at 480-833-8800.

For Arizona residents, a DUI charge can mean jail time, license suspension and a permanent record. While it goes without saying that if you drink, you should not drive, it is also important to be fully informed of what your rights are, especially when it comes to field sobriety tests.

If you are pulled over on suspicion of a DUI, the officer stopping you is likely to ask you to perform a series of field sobriety tests. These are mental and physical tests which include touching your finger to your nose, standing on one leg or saying the alphabet backwards. Unlike the chemical tests, Arizona law does not require you to take field sobriety tests, and it is within your legal right and your best interest to politely refuse.

Studies have shown that field sobriety tests are often inaccurate, and that people with serious medical conditions or injuries, the elderly, and those that are seriously overweight cannot pass standard sobriety tests whether they are sober or not. Additionally, there are no hard and fast rules about what constitutes passing or failing these tests, as the outcome of each test is at the discretion of the officer. It is even possible for a person who has no drugs or alcohol in their system to fail a test.

If at any point during the stop you are asked for information that does not pertain to your license and registration, you have the right to politely say you would prefer not to answer any questions without an attorney present.

One of the most important things you can do if you are charged with a DUI is to call an experienced DUI defense attorney. At Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience, we have some of the best DUI attorneys in the Phoenix metro area that can help you fight an unfair or particularly harsh DUI charge. Call us today for a free consultation at 480-833-8800.

First Offense

Jail time for a first offense can range anywhere from 24 hours to 10 days depending on your circumstances and license suspension can range anywhere from 90 days to a year. Arizona has an implied consent law, meaning that if you refuse to submit to a chemical test you will be subject to a fine and automatic license suspension.

The base fine for a first drunk driving conviction is $250, with additional charges of $700 or more that may be applied.

Second Offense

Jail time for a second offense ranges from a minimum of 30 days to 90 days, with a minimum of 30 days of community service. License suspension ranges anywhere from one year to two years, with a minimum license suspension of two years if you refuse to take a chemical test. You will be ordered to complete an alcohol or drug screening, education or treatment program and may have a court ordered ignition interlock device installed in your vehicle at your own expense once you are able to drive.

The DUI base fine for a second drunk driving conviction is $500 with an additional $3,000 or more in fines.

Third Offense

Jail time for a third offense is a minimum of four months with a minimum one year license suspension and a minimum two year license suspension if you refuse to take a chemical test. Alcohol or drug screening, education and treatment programs are mandatory and a court ordered ignition interlock device may be installed on your vehicle at your own expense once you are able to drive.

The base fine for a third drunk driving conviction is $750 with an additional $3,600 or more in fines.

The Extreme DUI

In Arizona there are a specific set of laws for those who fall under the category of “Extreme DUI.” An extreme DUI is one where the driver of the vehicle has a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15 or higher within two hours of driving or being in control of the vehicle. A person convicted of an Extreme DUI is typically convicted of a criminal misdemeanor.

If you or someone you know has been charged with a DUI, the experienced DUI attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience can help you reduce or dismiss even the most serious DUI charges. To schedule a free consultation, call 1-800-501-2782.

According to information provided by Distraction.gov, the official U.S. government website for distracted driving, in 2010, 3,092 people were killed in crashes involving a distracted driver, while an estimated 416,000 were injured in automobile accidents involving a distracted driver. These alarming numbers are causing a major focus on texting while driving, yet there are a number of other ways a driver can become distracted when they are behind the wheel.

Driving distractions can be broken down into three main types:

· Manual – taking your hands off the wheel

· Visual – taking your eyes off the road

· Cognitive – taking your mind off driving

Manual distractions may occur when you are talking on the phone, changing the radio station, or searching for something in your purse or car. They may also happen if you are attempting to use your phone, eat or drink in the car while you are driving. Just having one hand off the wheel can place you at a disadvantage if you have a split second to react to a sudden change in traffic.

Visual distraction is typically what most people think of when they hear the words “distracted driving.” This happens when you’re looking away to text, using your phone, talking to friends, or looking anywhere else but the road while driving.

Cognitive distraction is the hardest to combat because it is often difficult to take your mind off the stresses in your life. Intense emotions can cause your mind to wander long enough to miss what is happening on the road.

Here are some tips on how to avoid distracted driving:

· Don’t text or use your cellphone while driving.

· Don’t eat or drink while driving.

· Make sure you have directions to your destination before you begin driving.

· Adjust the radio, CD player or MP3 player with music before driving.

· Keep music levels low and talking with passengers to a minimum.

If you or one of your loved ones has been injured in an auto accident, contact the personal injury attorneys at Skousen, Gulbrandsen & Patience. For a free, no-obligation legal consultation, contact us today.