Popular holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Fourth of July warrant additional police checkpoints to look for and arrest drunk drivers. An experienced Fairfax DUI lawyer from Select Law Partners PLLC discusses the times of year with the most DUI arrests.
What time of year do most DUIs happen?
New Year’s Eve is the most common night to be arrested for DUI. Colder months often lead to people using alcohol to fight off the chill and dreariness, but this time of year is also home to some significant reasons to celebrate. According to the Virginia State Crime Commission report, 10% of all DUI arrests happen during the following holidays:
- New Year’s
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
It’s important to remember that police will be hypervigilant for suspicious behaviors. This could lead them to stop you if you show any signs associated with drunk driving, such as sudden lane changes, driving too slowly or too fast, or failure to obey traffic laws.
Why do police increase DUI patrols during holidays?
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), auto accidents involving drivers who were impaired by alcohol increased by over 14% in the last reporting year. A total of 13,384 fatalities related to drunk driving happened in 2021, meaning more people are taking serious risks in their vehicles after a night of drinking. The authorities examine the statistics to curb these deaths and implement appropriate policies.
By researching when people are more likely to drink in celebration, the police can adjust their patrol schedules to set up more DUI checkpoints. They also increase the number of officers available during all holiday season hours to ensure they remove as many drunk drivers from the roads as possible. This concentrated effort means you are much more likely to get caught for a DUI and end up facing fines and jail time.
How can I avoid a DUI during the holidays?
The most effective strategy to avoid being charged with DUI is not to drink before driving. If avoiding alcohol is difficult, you can be selective about when to imbibe and arrange alternate transportation when you want to celebrate. Some common recommendations to avoid a DUI include:
- Using ridesharing services such as Uber or Lyft
- Using a designated driver in your group
- Reserving a hotel room within walking distance of your New Year’s Eve party
- Limiting your alcohol intake and tapering it off towards the end of the night
- Drinking water in between alcoholic drinks to lower your Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
- Having a party at home or in your neighborhood so guests can walk home
What should I do if I am arrested for DUI?
The first step is to remain calm and not make statements that could incriminate you. If you are arrested, contact a reputable Fairfax DUI attorney immediately. Our attorneys at Select Law Partners PLLC can help you fight your DUI. We examine the evidence against you and work to dismiss your charges so you can go free.
We understand how damaging a DUI arrest and conviction can be to your life. Our defense lawyers will build the most robust case possible for your situation, protecting your rights and future. Contact us by phone at (855) 541-4867 or through our online form to speak with a skilled Fairfax DUI lawyer today.
