Top

Arrested for DWI as a Senior Citizen

Getting arrested for DWI as a senior may come as a shock to you, especially if you’ve taken pride as a careful driver. But unfortunately, getting older can heighten the risk of getting charged with a DWI.

A Cavalcade of Factors

As we age, we often have a slower reaction time to road events, and our reflexes aren’t as quick. Our bodies also may not metabolize alcohol as quickly as they once did. To further complicate matters, certain medications may enhance the effects of alcohol, making you sleepy or lightheaded behind the wheel. Diminished eyesight can also hamper your ability to drive well. When you add these various issues and changes together, your driving might be more impaired than you believed it to be, and you are at enhanced risk of getting into an accident–or arrested for DWI.

How to Avoid DWI arrest as a Senior Citizen

Being a senior doesn’t necessarily mean that you shouldn’t drive anymore. However, it does mean that you need to take extra precautions to ensure that you don’t inadvertently find yourself driving while intoxicated.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol before driving. According to a 2014 study, even a single drink before driving may heighten the risk of an accident for senior drivers. It’s best to say ‘no’ to any drinks if you know that you’re going to be getting behind the wheel later.
  • Check your medication’s side effects. Certain drugs are more likely than others to impair your ability to drive. Medications such as opioid pain relievers, anxiety drugs, antiepileptic drugs, sleeping pills, and certain antihistamines and antidepressants are likely to make driving more dangerous. They may also increase the risk of you being arrested for DWI.
  • Have your vision tested regularly. You should see an eye doctor at least once a year to make sure that you still see well enough to drive, especially at night. The police could pull you over, believing you to be DWI, if you’re swerving on the road because you can’t see well.
  • When in doubt, opt out. If you’re not sure whether the medications you’re on will impair your driving, or if you couldn’t resist having a glass of wine while during a night out, be safe rather than sorry and don’t get behind the wheel.

Hire an Experienced DWI Attorney

If you’re a senior arrested for DWI, you will need an experienced DWI attorney to fight for your rights. At Tenn And Tenn, P.A., our experienced New Hampshire family law attorneys can help guide you through the process and protect your rights. Give us a call at (888) 332-5855 or contact us online for a consultation.

Categories: 
Related Posts
  • Impaired Driver Care Management Programs in New Hampshire Read More
  • Three Actions That Will Make Your Situation Worse After Getting Stopped for DUI in New Hampshire Read More
  • Arrested for DWI When You’re a Senior Citizen: Special Concerns Read More
/
Why Choose Tenn And Tenn Let Our Family Help Your Family
  • A Family Firm

    We are a family committed to providing excellent service to our clients.

  • Statewide Service
    We work hard to obtain the best results possible for clients throughout New Hampshire.
  • Trial-Tested Attorneys
    Our lawyers are experienced courtroom advocates who are ready to take your case to trial to obtain justice.
Free Injury Consultations Available Contact Us Today

Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our award-winning legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (888) 332-5855.

  • 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

Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.