DWI and the Holidays

The holidays are the time of year where many people celebrate with friends and family. Unfortunately, as a result of holiday parties and gatherings, more drivers are impaired by alcohol as well.

According to the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), 40% of traffic-related fatalities during Christmas and New Year’s involve drunk drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports thousands of people lose their lives due to motor vehicle collisions during December every year.

In order to reduce the amount of casualties on the road during the holidays, law enforcement has increased their numbers patrolling the streets. Furthermore, they set up checkpoints in various areas to deter people from drinking and driving.

So this holiday season, it is imperative to monitor your alcohol consumption, especially if there is a possibility of getting behind the wheel. And if you are arrested for a DWI in New York, you must obtain legal representation from a criminal defense attorney to fight your charges.

The following are effective ways to avoid getting a DWI this holiday season:

• Make a friend of family member a designated driver
• Use ridesharing services, such as Uber or Lyft
• Throw a party at your place, so you can avoid having to drive altogether
• Bring over extra clothes and plan to sleep over

If you have been arrested for DWI in White Plains, NY or the surrounding area, contact Tilem & Associates for a free consultation.