Holidays and DUI
One person is killed every half hour due to drunk driving. In 2011, there were 33,625 DUI convictions in Florida alone. A prominent time for DUI arrests are the holidays. While people are "making merry," a lot of alcohol tends to be consumed which can impair individuals' judgment and driving abilities. For example, during the July 4th weekend in 2011, there were 90 DUI arrests and 5 alcohol-related deaths. In 2008
Fourth of July was ranked the second most dangerous holiday, with half of all accidents caused by drunk driving.
With Labor Day fast approaching, what steps should individuals take to avoid DUI or a DUI-related accident during a holiday?
Designate a driver to take you home before you begin drinking
If you can't get a friend or family member to take you home, have cab numbers ready and take public transportation
Understand the legal limit: if you are 120 pounds, it only takes three beers or glasses of wine within an hour for you to be at 0.08
Do not get behind a wheel unless you are sober. Regardless of your BAC (blood alcohol content) level, you can get charged with a DUI if an officer deems you to be "impaired"
Contact the police if you see a drunk driver on the road
Don't allow a friend or family member to drive drunk
Remember that if your keys are anywhere near the ignition, even if you pull over to the side of the road to collect yourself, you can be charged with DUI
Offer non-alcoholic drinks at your party
Consider staying at home, or at least not making an extremely long journey by road
Along with Thanksgiving, which has been ranked the most dangerous holiday of the year for drivers, holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day came in third and fourth, as they hazardously fall on three day weekends. This causes a rush on the road, more holiday festivities, and more opportunities to get drunk. Statistics say that 30 to 60 percent more people die in accidents on the weekend than during the week.
Individuals should keep in mind that officers increase DUI checkpoints over the holidays and should make set-in-stone plans on how to get home safely before drinking. If you have been charged with drunk driving, you should get a DUI attorney on your side immediately. Florida takes hard-hitting action against drunk driving, and even if this is only your first offense you could be forced to pay hefty fines, spend time in jail, or be placed on probation.
Thomas & Paulk, P.A. provides aggressive representation for individuals charged with drunk driving. The firm has over 20 years of combined criminal law experience. The attorneys at the firm provide defense for alcohol-related offenses of all types, including DUI and even boating under the influence. Call today to learn more!
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