The holiday season and all of their celebrations are just around the corner and increased alcohol consumption during this time can take the fun out of the festivities. Excessive drinking or binge drinking is not only a public health issue; but also, a law enforcement nightmare. This blog is intended to be an educational piece only and is not a substitute for legal advice.
The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTA) annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over holiday campaign to increase public awareness of the dangers of drunk driving takes place in the month of December and for good reason. Over the past five years, an average of 300 people died in drunk driving crashes during the Christmas through New Years holiday weeks, (nhtsa.gov). The NHTA forecasts traffic crash fatalities based on historical data from multiple reporting agencies from previous years. 2019 holiday traffic crash fatalities forecasted are as follows:
Thanksgiving weekend: 454 fatalities
Christmas to New Year’s Day: 799 fatalities
The consequences associated with driving under the influence not only include putting yourself and others at risk; but also, comes with the risk of getting arrested. Law enforcement officers are often out in full force during all holiday weekends. Increased DUI patrols equal an increase in traffic stops and arrests. The average arrest, attorney fees, fines, court costs, potential loss of license and possible loss of work can cost up to $10,000. There a lot of sobering facts about holiday weekends that most do not want anything to do with. It is important to enjoy the nearing holiday weekends; just designate a driver or utilize a ride-sharing service.
If you or a loved one are in need of an experienced DUI/DWI attorney, contact the Law Offices of Reginald Keith Davis at (913) 299-8789, licensed in both Kansas and Missouri.