The Top Holidays for DUI Arrests

Everyone looks forward to long holiday weekends and spending time with family and friends. After all, there is nothing more fun than cocktail parties, bonfires, and barbeques. However, these fun holidays may turn from great times to tragic ones with a single, bad decision. Far too often, someone leaves the party or event believing they are fine to drive but have actually had too much to drink.

Every year, there are thousands of people who are arrested and charged with DUI, while many others lose their lives. One of the best ways to avoid finding yourself in this situation is to avoid getting behind the wheel after drinking. It is also a good idea to know what holidays tend to have the most tragic events.

Independence Day

This holiday falls within the “100 deadliest days of summer,” which stretches from Memorial Day until the end of Labor Day. It’s estimated that during this time over 260 teenagers are killed per month. This is an increase of 26% compared to the rest of the months of the year.

According to the NHTSA, between the years of 2007 and 2011 alcohol accounted for approximately 61 deaths per day for the Independence Day travel period.

Christmas

This time of the year should be the happiest ever; however, it is one of the deadliest and has more than 414 car fatalities per year. It is estimated that over 96.8 million people are traveling during this holiday season, and many of these people will travel by car. The day of the week that Christmas is on will case an increase or reduction in the total cars on the road and may impact the total number of fatalities.

Thanksgiving

This doesn’t just include Thanksgiving Day it also includes the Wednesday right before Thanksgiving. It is commonly called Blackout Wednesday because so many people binge drink. In fact, in 2008, Thanksgiving was the deadliest Thursday of the entire year.

New Year’s

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are both holidays known for parties, kissing at midnight, and – of course – a bad hangover. It was also found that almost half of all traffic fatalities occurring on January 1st are caused or related to alcohol consumption – in fact, it’s the most of any U.S. holiday. However, it has been reported that New Year’s is not the most dangerous day to get behind the wheel, it is the most dangerous time to be a pedestrian. Make sure you use caution, regardless of if you are on the road or the sidewalk.

What Can You Do?

If you must travel during these holidays make sure you never drink and drive.  Also, use caution when on the road. However, if you are arrested and charged with DUI, make sure to contact Kitchin Law. We can review the facts of your case and help ensure your rights are protected.