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A Fort Myers car accident lawyer says drivers have a responsibility to protect young passengers. If drivers decide to drive while impaired, they are potentially committing child endangerment.

The National Conference of State Legislators’ August 2016 report says that child endangerment is an offense of anyone older than age 18 who operates a motor vehicle while transporting a minor. This is a violation of drunk-driving laws.

Florida treats DUI child endangerment very seriously, says the Fort Myers car accident lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. 

For the first offense of drunk driving while carrying passengers under 18 offenders face imprisonment of up to 9 months and a $1,000-$2,000 fine. Further, they must have an ignition interlock device placed on all vehicles owned, leased, or routinely operated for up to 6 months. For a second offense, offenders face imprisonment of up to 12 months and a $2,000-$4,000 fine. Their ignition interlock device shall be installed for at least 2 years. Fla. Stat. §316.193(4)

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) said in 2018, “No child should be in danger from drunk or drugged driving, especially by someone entrusted to keep them safe ---- like a parent or caregiver. Minor children often have no choice when it comes to riding with an impaired driver. Over half of all children killed in drunk driving crashes are killed while riding with the drunk driver. We believe that drunk driving is not only irresponsible but criminal. And having a child in the car elevates this criminal act to child abuse.”

MADD National President Colleen Sheehey-Church said, “Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of death among our nation’s children. And more than half of children killed in drunk driving crashes are killed by their own drinking driver. Every child deserves a designated driver. Children are our most precious resource and they count on us for love and protection. Sadly, we are losing too many kids in drunk driving crashes.”

“Should you or a loved one be injured in a DUI accident, please contact the Fort Myers car accident lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Car Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.