Beware of DUI charges during the holiday season

The holiday season is a time for travel for people around the country. In Ohio, holidays consistently invite an increased police presence and DUI/OVI awareness, whether it is Thanksgiving, New Year’s or Memorial Day weekend.

Why does this occur?

Law enforcement officers expect increased traffic on the roads throughout the holiday season. Increased traffic can mean increased chances to encounter drivers who are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Additionally, the holiday season is filled with parties and family or friend get-togethers. Such situations may invite you to drink a little more than you normally would or not realize how much you have had to drink before getting behind the wheel.

Avoid a DUI over the holidays

As with any time of the year, there are steps you can take to avoid driving under the influence. Such steps include:

• Designating a sober driver. Make a plan before you leave the house on how you will get from point A to point B. Determining this ahead of time can lessen the risk for someone getting behind the wheel after having too much to drink.
• Calling a cab or rideshare service. Avoid anyone in your party driving altogether by calling a cab or using a rideshare service. As the holidays can take you out of town, determine cab numbers to call or whether rideshare services are available in that area ahead of time.
• Watching for DUI checkpoints. The holidays bring an increased risk of DUI checkpoints along Ohio roadways. While the locations of these checkpoints are communicated in advance, if you encounter one, be sure to slow down and comply with law enforcement officers.
• Paying attention to winter conditions. Winter weather can introduce an extra obstacle into driving over the holidays. Officers may scrutinize drivers more carefully if they observe reckless or unsafe driving considering the wintry conditions.

Don’t let a DUI ruin your holidays

A DUI can wreak havoc on your holiday season, causing issues with your driver’s license and introducing both financial setbacks and potential jail time. If you receive a DUI out of town, the process that follows can be even more inconvenient. Contacting an attorney immediately following an arrest can help you to retain your license and minimize other potential consequences of the offense.