DUI Charges Spike Over Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a time for getting together with friends and family, and it acts as the official kick-off for the holiday season. Even with ongoing concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are making plans to spend the weekend with loved ones both near and far. During these gatherings, beware of the tendency to overindulge in alcohol. Police will be maintaining a strong presence on the road and in general, and DUI charges typically spike over Thanksgiving weekend.

Thanksgiving Is One Of The Biggest “Drinking Holidays” Of The Year

There are certain holidays that have strong associations with alcohol. Saint Patrick’s Day and New Year’s Eve are both common examples. It may come as a surprise to hear that Thanksgiving is on the list of days people are most tempted to over-imbibe. However, the fact is that alcohol consumption dramatically increases throughout the entire weekend.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that the temptation to over-imbibe generally begins the day before the holiday, which is often referred to as “black out Wednesday” or “drinksgiving.” People who are happy to be off work for a few days or are visiting from out of town are often eager to seek out some pre-holiday festivities.

Drinking heavily before the holidays, as well as during and in the days after, is common. However, before you do so, it is important to be aware of the risks. In addition to the potential dangers you pose to yourself and others on the road if you get behind the wheel, there is also a strong chance you could end up being charged with driving under the influence (DUI).

Police More Aggressive In Stopping Drivers For DUI Over Thanksgiving Weekend

According to a WISTV news report, traffic safety officials reported more than 1,000 DUI related car accidents in South Carolina over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2019. These resulted in the deaths of 12 motorists while leaving thousands of others suffering serious personal injuries. To help reduce the risks this year, police will maintain a strong presence on the road, looking out for signs of suspected DUI drivers and conducting numerous traffic checks.

To protect yourself, avoid driving if you have any amount of alcohol in your system. Even one or two drinks can cause impairments significant enough to result in a DUI. If you are pulled over and charged with driving under the influence, comply with the police officer’s requests, avoid making any statements that could be used against you, and contact our experienced Aiken DUI defense attorney right away.

Get The Strong Legal Defense You Need Against DUI Charges In Aiken

Don’t let a DUI ruin your Thanksgiving weekend. In addition to the impacts you are likely to suffer in regards to your family, friends, and professional life, DUI is a serious criminal charge that can result in heavy fines, the loss of your driving privileges, and a potentially lengthy jail sentence. To protect yourself, reach out to the Surasky Law Firm. Contact our Aiken DUI defense attorney online and request a consultation today.