The holidays provide us with a chance to take a break from the stress of life to relax with our friends and family in a festive atmosphere. Unfortunately, ever year these festivities also lead to a dramatic spike in DUI convictions and drunk driving accidents. Nothing will ruin your holiday cheer quite like facing criminal charges for driving with more than the legal limit of alcohol in your system.
Holidays are a peak time for DUI arrests
State patrol officers know that people typically drink alcohol with their friends and family during holiday celebrations. North Dakota and every other state in the nation sees a consistent spike in DUI arrests in the period around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s. This is why police officers are on high alert during these times.
Law enforcement agencies have developed several strategies over the years to help them to catch anyone who is driving with a blood alcohol content above 0.08%. For example, police officers may set up a sobriety checkpoint to stop every vehicle that passes through a certain area in order to test drivers for sobriety.
Don’t fall into the trap
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few drinks during the holidays. But make sure that you are taking precautions to make sure that you don’t find yourself behind the wheel after drinking, even if you think that you are simply a bit buzzed.
If you can, try to make arrangements so that you can settle in for the evening and don’t have to drive. If you must go somewhere, have a friend or family member who hasn’t been drinking drive you. As a last resort, you can use a ridesharing service or call a taxi. The cost of a ridesharing service is nowhere near the cost of the fine and other penalties you will get if a police officer pulls you over.
Don’t let a DUI conviction ruin your holiday plans this year. Stay safe, and err on the side of caution when it comes to driving after having a few drinks.
