Thanksgiving 2016 & DUI Charges
Thanksgiving is less than a week away and while all of us are making plans to see our loved ones for the holiday, law enforcement agencies all over the state are planning for something else: an uptick in drunk driving. Both state and local authorities will be coordinating and stepping up their efforts to crack down on DUI offenders and prevent accidents on the road over the next week.
Over the next week and through the holiday weekend, Florida drivers can expect to see elevated police presence on the roads and an increase in DUI checkpoints. These types of enforcement campaigns have become common in Florida all over the country during periods when authorities know people will be drinking more and traveling on the road.
In fact, experts believe that, on a national scale, 2016 stands to have more Thanksgiving travelers than it has had in nearly a decade. AAA reports that roughly 48.7 million Americans are expected to drive 50 miles or more for Thanksgiving—a number we haven't seen 2007.
What You Can Do
We're fortunate to live in times when drunk driving is more preventable than ever. In most communities, there are numerous ways for us and our loved ones to stay safe while traveling and, if we're hosting guests, make sure they stay off the road after drinking alcohol.
This Thanksgiving, if you plan on drinking or hosting people, consider:
- Using a designated driver
- Using a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft
- Using public transportation, if possible
- Keeping a taxi service number available for your guests
- Accommodating any loved ones who need to spend the night
It's also important to remember that alcohol is only part of the equation. Prescription drugs and controlled substances can also result in driving under the influence charges. "Buzzed driving can be from illegal drugs or even prescription drugs," Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Kim Montes told the Osceola News-Gazette. "Drivers need to be aware that some of the prescription drugs that are taken cause impairment and users are advised not to drive while on these medications. Drivers using illegal drugs have caused numerous crashes while operating vehicles. Those drivers will be criminally charged for DUI."
If you or a loved one have been charged with a DUI over this holiday season, then our team at Raisman & Raisman, P.A. is ready to assist you. Our award-winning Ford Lauderdale DUI defense lawyers know how our state pursues DUI convictions and what can be done to protect our clients' rights and interests both in and outside the courtroom.
Now is the time to start exploring your legal options. Call us today.