More drunk driving arrests during the holidays in Ohio

March 21, 2013 (Press-News.org) More drunk driving arrests during the holidays in Ohio

Holidays give families and friends a chance to spend time together celebrating the season with parties and gatherings. Yet, sometimes, people consume alcohol during these celebrations and can get a little carried away by drinking too much without realizing it. It is vital to remember to exercise caution during the holidays since there are more people on the roads.

Increased drunk driving arrest rates

The night before Thanksgiving is one of the most popular nights for people to get together and celebrate, and, in response, the police increase drinking and driving patrols during this time. One impetus for the Ohio state patrol to increase their presence is funding for extra holiday surveillance provided by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

On a regular Wednesday or Thursday night, the average number of drunk driving arrests is between one and three. Whereas, this past Thanksgiving, Ohio's highway patrol from Elyria arrested 12 drunk drivers within a 12-hour period starting the night before Thanksgiving into Thanksgiving morning.

Be smart about alcohol consumption during the holidays

Commuting during the holidays is hard enough, but adding alcohol or other intoxicating substances increases the risk of being in an accident. If you are in an accident, and it is not your fault, you can still get a DUI if the officer suspects alcohol or drugs are present. If this happens, typically, insurance will not cover any expenses for damage or injuries.

Further, there may be legal consequences of serving alcohol during a holiday party. If someone leaves a party and is in an accident that involves alcohol, the victims may be able to sue the host of the party for providing the alcohol. If at all possible, it would be safer to stay off the roads during the holidays, including New Year's Eve, another big drinking holiday. Taking all these extra precautions during this time of year could save many lives.

How a DUI attorney can help

Ohio takes drinking and driving very seriously. With all of the added emphasis on preventing drunk driving and conducting traffic stops during the holidays, it is possible that the police will make a mistake and accuse an innocent driver of a serious violation.

A DUI can bring severe penalties along with it. If you have been accused of a DUI, it is wise to seek out the counsel of an experienced DUI attorney to help with your defense. Having someone familiar with the system at your side is a great advantage.

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