The extent of DUI covers more than just drivers of vehicles. Two bicyclists were cited in Florida DUI charges, after an officer noticed some cars ahead of him driving very slowly. Apparently a bicyclist was in the middle of the lane with no reflective equipment or lights. The bike's operator, Oswaldo Davila, was swerving along the road, and was pulled over and arrested on suspicion of DUI after failing field sobriety exercises.
After a background check was performed, it was found that Davila was on inmate work release status from his most recent of five previous convictions of DUI. Because he refused to submit to a breath test or sign the citation, he was charged accordingly.
The same evening, another bicyclist was riding recklessly on the same road, where a car swerved at the last minute to avoid hitting him. As an officer pulled cyclist Robert Steudl over, he hobbled to stay on the bike and keep from falling, according to the report. Steudl reeked of alcohol and had several fresh cuts on his knuckles and cheek. He admitted he had just finished drinking "a lot" and was on his way home.
En route to the jail, Steidl reportedly asked the officer, "What are you going to do, give me an interlock device on my bicycle?" A court-ordered ignition interlock device forces drivers to blow into a gauge before the vehicle will start; and the vehicle will only start if there is no alcohol present in the breath test.
The blood test showed Steidl's blood alcohol level was .265 and .266, which is three times the legal limit of .08. According to Florida law, a bicycle is a vehicle. Operators of a vehicle must obey all traffic laws and regulations, from prohibition of driving while impaired or under the influence, as well as driving without proper lights and reflective gear.
Fort Lauderdale DUI lawyer Carlos Canet, P.A. is experienced in Florida DUI defense. If you have been charged with DUI in south Florida, call 866-7ASKDUI to speak to an experienced DUI lawyer with offices in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.
