How Weather Affects Driving Behavior
In Texas, the weather can change quickly, and it’s not uncommon for drivers to find themselves on the road during severe weather. Rain, fog, and even heat waves can reduce visibility and make driving conditions hazardous. When driving in these conditions, your reactions may differ from how you would respond on a clear, sunny day. Weather conditions can cause your vehicle to sway, slow down, or make erratic movements, none of which are necessarily signs of driving under the influence. Police officers who stop a driver for suspicion of DWI often rely on their observations of the driver’s behavior to make a judgment. However, weather conditions can create misleading impressions. For example, swerving or sudden braking in wet conditions might look like the driver is intoxicated, but it could simply be a result of trying to adjust to slippery or unpredictable roads. Weather-related driving issues can cause your vehicle to appear as though you are not in full control, even though it may just be due to the challenging weather. In some cases, even a slightly higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) may not fully explain why you were unable to maintain perfect control of your car under such circumstances. Your BAC may be within the legal limit, but poor weather conditions might create a false impression that you were driving impaired. This is an important point to consider in your defense strategy.
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Criminal Defense Attorney
Douglas Wilder
Attorney Douglas Wilder has always stayed on the cutting edge of training and attending seminars to ensure he has the most knowledge he can to represent his clients. This has led him to be recognized as one of the Best Lawyers under 40 in Dallas by D magazine, and also recognized as a Super Lawyer for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, & 2023. .
How Officers Interpret Weather and Driving Behavior
When officers suspect that you are driving under the influence, they will often perform field sobriety tests to assess your physical and mental abilities. These tests, however, can be highly influenced by the environment. In poor weather conditions, factors like rain or wind can make performing these tests much harder than they would be under normal conditions. Even simple tasks like standing on one leg or walking in a straight line become more difficult when the ground is wet or slick. Further complicating the situation is the fact that some officers may not fully account for the weather when making their judgment about whether to arrest you. They may assume that your failure to pass the field sobriety tests is due to alcohol impairment, when in reality, it may be due to the weather’s effects on your coordination and balance. Understanding how your physical performance may be impacted by weather conditions can provide an opportunity to challenge the validity of the arrest. A skilled attorney can use these factors to question the officer’s decision-making process and potentially have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Better call Doug!! Doug is the best lawyer you can find for DWI or DUI cases in Dallas. I read many reviews before choosing Doug for representing my case. Doug handled DWI and DUI cases for last 25 years, He has good relationships with DA office and is Well respected in the community. I have peace of mind with plea bargain today for my case. He also won other case filed on my license suspension. Amy (Paralegal) will help you through out the case. She is very persistent and detailed about the case details. You will never go wrong for chosing Doug. Goodluck. !!”
- Anil Lingutla
I was charged with a DWI and resisting arrest. Knowing Mr. Wilder previously, I went with the Wilder Law Firm to help me out. Their office was able to get my resisting charge thrown out and reduced my DWI charge for me. This result and lesser sentence allows me a better opportunity to recover from the mistake I made. I appreciate Megan being so kind and patient with me during my process. I would recommend her 10/10."
- Isaac Harrell
After being arrested for DUI, I contacted Doug Wilder upon recommendation. Mr. Wilder and his entire staff were amazing with their professional handling of my case from start to finish. Every time I rang with questions someone answered the phone, no long waits for a return call. This was important to me considering a DUI is so stressful. Mr. Wilder and his staff not only got my case dismissed but also guided me through the process and offered utmost care. I cannot thank them enough and highly recommend the Wilder Firm."
- JJ Canter