We wrote earlier this month about how the holiday season means an increased fire risk. According to the CDC, between 2003-2012 more than 1,700 people were killed in Colorado car crashes involving a drunk driver. While our rate of death is below the national average, 1.9% of Colorado adults report driving after having had too much to drink. Maybe that’s why there are so many cases of holiday drunk driving.
There’s a standard set of advice you hear this time of year. Lawyers and journalists alike write articles, just like this one to remind you of your rights.
Don’t believe me? Check out this article on holiday drunk driving from ABC7.
I don’t think the date is a mistake. According to a tool that collects reports of DUI checkpoints, an undisclosed number of DUI checkpoints were active the night before Christmas here in Denver.
Because of the increased risk, police officers are more diligent during the holiday season.
The best way to avoid a holiday DUI is to plan your ride home before you go out.
Many drivers are uncomfortable with forced stops. Using drive reporting tools like Waze or actively scouring social media may make you feel more secure. Holiday drunk driving, is, however, a serious problem.
Before you go out, make sure you have a plan for getting back. Because of the heightened scrutiny, make sure your vehicle is in good working order.
If you worry that you’ve had too much to drink, call for a ride.
If you have been pulled over, it’s important to remember your rights. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible.
If you or someone you love has been charged with DUI, you can even use our guide to Denver Attorney Reviews to help speed up your search for the best Denver DUI Attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured by a drunk driving accident, contact our Aurora car accident lawyer for legal representation and help seeking compensation.
This year, Colorado is participating in ‘The Heat is On’ campaign. According to a report, the first Holiday Drunk Driving enforcement period resulted in 596 citations. The second enforcement period is scheduled between December 30th and January 4th.
