The holidays are when individuals take a load off and connect with their friends and family. This time of year brings delicious food, a much-needed break from work, handing out meaningful gifts, and possibly even some shared conversations over drinks. However, the holiday season also brings many DUI cases, so much so that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) runs a campaign every year between December and January to encourage individuals to refrain from driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Talk to a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney today.
The Statistics of Alcohol and Drug-Related Car Accidents During the Holidays
According to the NHTSA, in December 2020, there were close to 1,000 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving a drunk or high driver. Their newly published study looks at the amount of alcohol and drug use when it comes to car accidents and fatalities. Seven different Level 1 trauma centers in the United States participated in the study, which allowed them to analyze how many patients had alcohol, prescriptions, or illegal drugs in their systems when serious or fatal car crashes occurred. The following are some of the data that was obtained from the study:
- 56 percent of serious or fatal car crashes involved an individual who tested positive for alcohol
- Alcohol and cannabinoids were the most common substances among individuals involved in serious or fatal car crashes. Both substances were found in over 20 percent of patients.
- 18 percent of individuals tested positive for two or more drugs at a time when serious injuries occurred and 32 percent when fatalities occurred
Tips on How to Avoid a DUI This Holiday Season
There are a few important tips from our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers to help you avoid a DUI as the holiday season quickly approaches, including the following:
Avoid Drinking any Alcoholic Beverages Before Getting Behind the Wheel
Many people go the entire year without drinking. However, when the holiday season arrives, they associate it with sharing laughs, conversations, and memories over drinks. Therefore, those who would never usually get behind the wheel after drinking may make an exception during the holiday season. People end up severely hurt, in the hospital, or even in death when this happens. The main way to keep this from happening is to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages if you plan to get behind the wheel.
Use Public Transportation or A Ride-Share Service
Plan to use public transportation or a ride-share service after drinks if you can. Most of the time, you can download Uber or Lyft on your cellular device and access it whenever you need to leave to go somewhere. Many cities in California, such as Los Angeles, also have buses and trains to get you to your destination safely.
Host Friends and Family at Your House
If you know that you are planning to have a few alcoholic beverages, you can always plan to host your friends and family at your own house. This prevents you from getting behind the wheel impaired as you are already home. However, make sure that your friends and family members have a way to get home safely. You can call a taxi, hire an Uber or Lyft driver, or have a sober driver drive people home.
What to Do if You Get a DUI This Holiday Season
If you get a DUI this holiday season, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley recommend staying calm, writing down everything that happened when you were pulled over, and hiring our California defense lawyers to assist you with your case. We will examine all the evidence associated with your DUI case, prepare a strong argument, and stand up for your rights.
By choosing our Los Angeles experienced DUI attorneys, you have a better chance of not losing your license, serving any jail time, and will be given a fair trial. We will work tirelessly to negotiate a deal to reduce your charges or penalties.
Contact Our California DUI Attorneys Today
If you have been accused of driving under the influence and need an attorney who has your back, reach out to the Law Offices of David S. Chesley. We will set up an appointment for you to speak with a DUI lawyer as soon as possible. Our team comprises experienced and skilled Los Angeles DUI lawyers who take these cases very seriously. Do not worry; you are in good hands, and your case will remain confidential. Fill out this contact form, or call our office, and we will be glad to get started on your case today.
