Memorial Day DUI

Who doesn’t love a three-day weekend? Memorial Day is coming up, and with it, BBQs, parties and drinking. This weekend is often considered the beginning of summer. Many Americans spend Memorial Day partying; however, the day is meant to honor fallen soldiers. The unfortunate side truth about Memorial Day is that when many people drink a lot, many end up driving under the influence. DUIs go up on this holiday every year, leading to tragedy in their wake for victims and drivers alike. You are four times as likely to die in a traffic accident over the Memorial Day weekend as over a regular weekend.

Some DUI Statistics

Here are some statistics regarding drinking and driving on Memorial Day in the US.

• There were 312 fatalities connected to the day in the US between 2011 and 2015. 380 deaths are projected for 2019.
• Criminal offenders sentenced to 24/7 alcohol monitoring rose an estimated 17-23% in 2018 on the Memorial Day weekend.
• AAA forecasts that 39.3 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles over this year’s Memorial Day weekend
• Nationwide, alcohol-impaired fatalities (involving blood-alcohol content of 0.08 g/dL or higher) in 2017 represented 29% of the total traffic fatalities. During the 2016 Memorial Day period, 36% of fatalities involved an alcohol-impaired driver.

You don’t want to be a statistic. On Memorial Day, make sure you stay safe by either staying at home, overnight at a friend’s house or hotel, or use a designated sober driver when you go out. Don’t allow family members or friends to drive under the influence, and perhaps, simply drink a little less.

If you end up being charged with a DUI around Memorial Day, or any time, you’ll need a knowledgeable attorney who will aggressively fight the conviction and make sure you get the best outcome for your case. Darren Weiss, Esq. can help you understand your options and walk you through the process. If you must deal with a DUI, contact him at (702) 829-7222 or email as soon as possible.