Skip to Content
Call Us for a free consultation 703-382-5840
Top
Using The Latest Technology To Curb Drunk Driving

More people are reaching for their “smart phone” (like an Apple iPhone or Google Android) instead of their car keys after a night out on the town. Phone applications can help potential drivers calculate their blood alcohol content (BAC), call a taxi, calculate a route charge, and even find a lawyer should they get into a sticky situation.

How Do They Work?

In 2009, Colorado’s Department of Transportation teamed up with private developers to release the free application R-U-Buzzed for the iPhone. The app asks for the user’s weight, sex, quantity of drinks consumed, type of drinks consumed and the time since they were drunk before calculating their blood alcohol content. It then provides a sober analysis of their driving abilities ranging from “You’re buzzed!” to “Don’t even think about it!…Designate a sober driver.” If your analysis comes up yellow or red, the app provides a listing of taxis and car services in the area that can provide transportation assistance. In the first month of its release, the free app was downloaded more than 40,000 times.

California’s Office of Traffic Safety teamed up this May with the popular Taxi Magic app to promote drinking responsibility in California. “It gives those who need to get some place when they’ve had too much to drink an easy way to do it,” says California OTS Spokesman Chris Cochran. Taxi Magic’s network partners with more than 60 transportation providers to allow users to tap one button to phone a cab company and arrange pick-up details utilizing the phone’s GPS. Since its introduction in January 2009, Taxi Magic has become one of the most downloaded apps from Apple’s iTunes store.

The Apps for Democracy organization released the Stumble Safely app for those in the Washington D.C. area, which maps the drinking establishments visited and then provides a safe walking route home through the lowest-crime neighborhoods. The Last Call App helps you deduce your blood alcohol content but also provides a listing of DUI lawyers in the area should you be caught ignoring the app’s recommendations.

The Price is Right, the Benefits Priceless

If these apps only save one life, it’s hard to argue with the price. It cost Colorado only $8,000 to develop the R-U-Buzzed app and distribute it for free to thousands of users.

The problems inherent with drunk driving are no longer an unknown to most motorists. Almost 14,000 people were killed last year in alcohol-related driving incidents, and most states have widely publicized, stiff penalties for those who break the law. Statistics show that 65 percent of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes last year were age 21 to 34. An additional 17 percent were under 21.

If you have been accused of drunk driving, you need a skilled advocate on your side – contact an experienced criminal defense attorney who has in-depth knowledge of cases like these.

Reviews & Testimonials

At Lawrence, Smith & Gardner, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    “I am forever grateful for your help!”
    Dear Mr. Brillantine and Mr. Smith,
    Thank you so much for your time and effort in the past several weeks. I am forever grateful for your help! Thank you.
    - Previous Client
    “The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    I just wanted to drop you a note to express my thanks and appreciation for your professional and courteous help and service. The efficient way you and your staff handled my case, resulted in less anxiety for me.
    - Previous Client
    “We appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    We just want to thank you for all your help in our son’s recent traffic case. Things were looking extremely bleak. However, thanks to your knowledge of the law, persistence, ability to talk to people, hard work and grace … What a relief it has been. We also appreciate the courtesy and professionalism of your wonderful staff.
    - Previous Client
    “Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life.”
    Dear Ron,
    I am consumed with awe for your legal maneuvering to assist me in court yesterday. Thank you for making it possible for me to continue with my life.
    - Previous Client
    “I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism.”
    To Ron Smith,
    I just wanted to extend my gratitude to you for representing me earlier this month when I went back to court to obtain my restricted license. I appreciate the courtesy and professionalism from you and your staff and under no circumstances hope to ever need your services for a serious matter like that again.
    - Previous Client
    “Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    Thank you for all your help. Please extend my thanks also to Martin for his patient support of an incoherent client, as well as to Lisa for her many phone calls. Thanks for that usually elusive gift … a second chance.
    - Previous Client
    “Thanks again Ron you ROCK!”
    Ron,
    I can’t thank you enough for everything. If it weren’t for you I would be in a world of hurt today. I owe you so many thanks. If you ever need anything!! Please pass along all my thanks to your staff and co-workers. Please let Lisa I’m so sorry you missed her lunch too. Thanks again Ron you ROCK!
    - Previous Client
    “I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life.”
    Dear Mr. Smith,
    I wanted to tell you how grateful I am for your help with my recent difficult situation. I was amazed at your skill and knowledge of the court system, and appreciative of your insight in these matters. I can look back on this experience as a valuable lesson and continue on with my life. Thank you for giving me that opportunity.
    - Previous Client

Schedule Your Free Consultation

We’re Here to Help
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy