The Fourth of July holiday week and weekend is always a busy time on the roads. Between traveling to see friends and family to heading out for fireworks and fun, this time of year usually means that people are in their cars and on the move. In fact, July 4th attracts a record number of Americans to the roads. Unfortunately, more vehicles on the road can mean more danger for drivers. According to an article in Forbes, America’s Independence Day happens to be one of the deadliest holidays of the year for car accidents.
The Fourth of July is the worst day for fatal car accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In fact, drunk driving over the Fourth of July holiday caused 40 percent of all highway deaths between 2007-2011. Because of this fact, there are likely to be DUI checkpoints in all major areas where there are festivities happening during the week and through the weekend, so it’s vital that you stay off the road if you have anything to drink, not only for your own safety but to avoid a DUI arrest.
Avoid a DUI on July Fourth
Getting a DUI can cause major financial, personal, and professional stress in someone’s life. The best advice to avoid a DUI is always to have a designated driver if there is drinking involved in your celebrations, or ensure that you do not drive once you start drinking beer at that BBQ. Nowadays, it’s very easy to use Uber or Lyft in major cities to avoid driving while intoxicated. If necessary, help your friends to stay accountable, and keep each other off the roads by stashing car keys in a safe location for the night.
What to Expect if You Get a DUI
Punishments for DUI convictions progressively get worse the more you have, however, your first DUI can still cause significant issues in your life. If you are arrested and accused of a DUI over the holiday, here are some potential outcomes from a first-time DUI conviction.
- 6 to 9 months of prison time
- Fines from $500 to $2000
- 180 days to 1 year of license suspension
- An IID (interlocking ignition device) requirement
If you are pulled over and arrested for a DUI, it’s imperative that you contact a lawyer who specializes in DUI law. Your criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the often lengthy and consuming process of handling your DUI case.
References:
The 4th of July Is the Deadliest Holiday in America. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://fortune.com/2017/06/30/july-4th-fireworks-drunk-driving/
Spatz Law Firm, PL. (2018, May 18). 5 Things to Know For Your First DUI. Retrieved from /blog/2016/07/5-things-to-know-regarding-your-first-dui.shtml