Spike in Drunk Driving Arrests During Fourth of July
Drunk driving accidents are often catastrophic for victims and their families. DUI crashes are entirely preventable, yet the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shares that about 30 people die every day in an auto accident that involves alcohol. The Fourth of July is one of the deadliest and most dangerous holidays for DUI fatalities. According to one recent study by Value Penguin, the fatality rate is 23% greater than the average of most federal holidays, and 57% more likely on the Fourth of July than any other day in the summer.
While many think of barbeques, beaches, fireworks, and time spent with family and friends when it comes to their Independence Day plans, it’s essential also to remember the risks that driving on this holiday involves. Law enforcement in Baltimore is aware of the surge in drunk driving incidents, and as a result, drunk driving arrests spike on this holiday each year across the state of Maryland.
DUI Fatalities on the Fourth of July Compared to Other Major Holiday
According to the study, there were 1,192 deaths caused by drunk driving accidents on the Fourth of July from 2010 to 2017. Compared to the number of DUI-related fatalities on Memorial Day weekend, there were 87 more on Independence Day. Compared to other major holidays, Fourth of July ranks the highest for average drunk driving fatalities in the following order:
- Fourth of July: 42.4 DUI deaths
- Memorial Day: 39.5 DUI deaths
- Labor Day: 38.1 DUI deaths
- New Year’s Day: 31.7 DUI deaths
- Thanksgiving: 27.9 DUI deaths
- Christmas Day: 27.7 DUI deaths
Fourth of July Celebrated Mid-Week is Largely More Fatal for DUI Accidents
In general, DUI accidents are most likely to occur on the weekend when many Americans are off from their jobs. However, when the Fourth of July falls in the middle of the week, the rate of DUI fatalities increase. Independence Day falling on Wednesday has a DUI fatality rate that’s 43% greater than when the holiday falls on Saturday.
What are the Consequences of a Maryland Drunk Driving Arrest on the Fourth of July?
Getting arrested for drunk driving is a severe offense in Maryland. This threatens the life of the negligent person behind the wheel and the countless lives of drivers and passengers sharing the road. Too often, innocent lives are lost in drunk driving accidents that were preventable. As a result, Maryland law enforcement confronts more DUI arrests on this Independence Day holiday than most others.
The consequences of a drunk driving arrest in Maryland are severe, even for first-time offenders that could result in:
- Up to 1 year incarcerated in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines plus court fees
- A suspension of driver’s license
- Mandatory community service
Those charged with a DUI may also have to attend alcohol education or substance abuse programs, depending on the court order. A DUI arrest will haunt drivers in Maryland for years after the fact, as they are often subject to substantial increases in their insurance rates, sometimes as high as 47%.
How Can I Fight a Drunk Driving Charge in Maryland?
The best method to avoid a DUI arrest on the Fourth of July or any day of the year is to take necessary precautions any time that you may have the option of driving after drinking. Never take the chance, but think ahead of time how you’ll get home or go out. Whether that’s requesting a ride through Uber or Lyft, staying overnight at a friend’s house, or selecting a designated driver, a drunk driving arrest is never worth the risk. Should you find yourself facing a DUI charge, you can look to a knowledgeable DUI attorney like Hillel Traub for help.
Reliable Criminal Traffic Defense in Baltimore and Nearby Areas
Attorney Hillel Traub of The Law Office of Hillel Traub has vast experience arguing against DUI charges for drivers in Baltimore and surrounding areas. As a formal Assistant Attorney General for the Maryland MVA, Attorney Traub knows what it takes to preserve his clients’ driver’s licenses. He now dedicates his practice to citizens of Baltimore and surrounding areas, providing knowledgeable and personal representation for DUI offenders. To schedule a free consultation and speak with Attorney Traub about your DUI matter, call (410) 580-1100 or complete our contact form.