The 2016 holiday season is in full swing, with the New Year right around the corner. For many people, this merry and bright time brings more parties, events and special celebrations. With the surge of eating, drinking and gathering with friends, family & co-workers also comes an increase in arrests for drunk driving. In fact, there are alarming stats that show a skyrocketing amount of binge drinking & DUI’s between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 2 to 3 times more people die from drunk driving-related crashes during the holiday season during the time period that lasts from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Don’t let this festive time of year find you at fault for an accident or DUI.
There are ways that are in your control to avoid becoming one of those DUI statistics. No one wants to injure or potentially kill someone. Check out our tips on how to avoid a DUI and other drunk driving repercussions over the holidays and in the New Year. Don’t let this joyful season put you in jail.
- Don’t Drink and Drive
Simple as that. Don’t drink and drive. It’s never a good combination and it’s not worth the risk. There are way too many options besides getting behind the wheel after boozing. If you drink, have a designated driver, call a cab or an Uber, take public transportation or call someone for a ride. It’s the easiest way to avoid a DUI during the holidays and it will also help keep the roads safer for everyone.
- Stay Under The Legal Limit
Do you know the legal limit for blood alcohol content in MA? For drivers over the age of 21 driving a standard passenger vehicle, a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher is legal impairment. For those younger than 21, a BAC of 0.02% or higher is considered operating under the influence.
Not many of us are walking around with a breathalyzer in our back pocket, so this is certainly not a guaranteed plan of action. That said; there are measures to take if you do consume alcohol prior to driving. Eating and drinking water before and during drinking will help your body digest the booze. Be very cautious of how many drinks you have per hour and overall. Make sure you leave an ample amount of time after you drink and before driving. Again, this isn’t a fool proof method.
- Drive Safely and with Awareness
Driving safely should always be a priority. Holidays and special occasions are no exception. Pay attention to all traffic laws and don’t be distracted. As always, all of your awareness and attention should be on the road. No texting, don’t speed, don’t talk on the phone, and don’t pretend you didn’t see a stop sign. There are millions of safety precautions you can take.
- Know Your State DUI laws
For example, Massachusetts police and state highway officials have launched a new education campaign and enforcement effort against impaired driving. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative will run during the holiday season, through Jan. 1, 2017.
State police and up to 202 local police departments will conduct a zero-tolerance enforcement effort, with patrols at high-incident locations. Police will also hold a series of sobriety checkpoints.
DUI state laws can vary and it is highly recommended you understand and know your rights.
Check out this site for more information: http://www.dmv.org/ma-massachusetts/automotive-law/dui.php
- Conduct Yourself Appropriately If You Get Pulled Over
If you do get pulled over by a police officer, don’t be a jerk. No one likes getting pulled over, but be polite and cooperative. Comply with the officer’s requests such as providing your driver’s license and registration. If you are pulled over and asked to perform field sobriety tests, you do have rights. Check out the section below:
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU ARE PULLED OVER & ACCUSED OF DUI/OUI IN MASSACHUSETTS:
In Massachusetts, drunk driving is a very serious offense. It means possible penalties from the courts and the Registry of Motor Vehicles. As a result, not only do those charged face fines and imprisonment, but also suspension or revocation of their driver’s license. In other words, a total loss of freedom.
Law enforcement can pull you over for any moving violation. You have RIGHTS & there are ways to protect yourself even when you are suspected of being intoxicated.
1. You’re NOT required to speak to officers more than necessary. An officer may ask, “Have you had anything to drink tonight.” You can abstain from answering or admitting guilt.
2. You have the right to refuse field sobriety tests. Remember: anything you do or say at this point gives law enforcement the opportunity to collect evidence against you.
3. You have the right to refuse a breathalyzer test. This can be used to prove or disprove that your BAC is above the legal limit (0.08 percent).
4. You can call Schulze Law if you have been pulled over as soon as possible at 857-300-5300 for a free consultation. We’re here 24/7. Emergency After Hours Number: 800-894-9267 XLAW1 (5291). Contact our office as early in the process as possible.
5. You ARE encouraged to be polite & give your license & registration, but don’t talk more than needed or willingly give unsolicited or incriminating evidence.
There are many ways that the skilled defense attorneys at Schulze Law can attack accused impairment such as DUI/OUI. If there is no failed breath test, or other incriminating factors (an accident, belligerent behavior, damaging statements, etc.), you probably have a legitimate case worth fighting. Marc Schulze and his tenacious team are prepared to help you 24/7 against potential criminal driving offenses.
Being charged with DUI is frightening, and for many, this charge is their first encounter with the criminal justice system. But, a DUI does not have to destroy the holiday season or your life.
Contact Schulze Law today to ensure that you have a tenacious DUI criminal defense attorney working for you.
CALL NOW: 857.300.5300 Emergency After Hours Number: 800-894-9267 XLAW1 (5291)
Happy New Year and Drive Sober & Safe!
