For many people, New Year’s Eve means being with friends and imbibing in festive alcoholic beverages. This means that over the holiday more people drive while under the influence (DUI). As a responsible driver, you may be at risk for accidents and injuries over this year’s holiday weekend.
January 1st is the second most common day of the year for fatal drunk driving accidents. Because of this spike in accidents, Pennsylvania law enforcement sets up more DUI checkpoints over the holidays to take drunk drivers off the road. This post will cover how you can protect yourself from accidents and the steps you should take if you are charged with a DUI.
People in Philadelphia need a plan to avoid accidents and issues during their New Year’s festivities. The most important thing a person can do is to not drink and drive. Any person who drives with a .08 blood alcohol content (BAC) in Pennsylvania can face DUI charges. Drinking coffee or taking a shower will not a lower a person’s BAC. Having a designated driver or taking a taxi service can let you have a safer driving experience during New Year’s Eve.
The Pennsylvania State Police made over 240 DUI arrests over the 2017 Christmas holiday weekend. The police will be even more vigilant on New Year’s Eve which means more checkpoints to find drunk drivers.
If a police officer charges you with a DUI, you can use these tips:
- Be respectful and even-tempered
- Follow an officer’s instructions
- Write down all of the details from your arrest
- Contact an attorney as soon as possible
There are severe consequences for a DUI conviction so you should get legal help if you are facing charges. Law enforcement can make serious mistakes when administering a sobriety test or during an arrest. A knowledgeable DUI defense attorney can defend you from charges and protect your rights in the courtroom.
